Podcast Summary: "Speaking Soundly" Featuring Gabriela Ortiz

Podcast Information:

• Title: Speaking Soundly
• Host/Author: Artful Narratives Media
• Episode: Gabriela Ortiz
• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Host: David Krause, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera

Introduction: A Candid Conversation with Gabriela Ortiz

In the January 7, 2025 episode of Speaking Soundly, Artful Narratives Media brings listeners an intimate dialogue with Gabriela Ortiz, a Grammy-nominated Mexican composer and the current Carnegie Hall DEBS Composer Chair. Hosted by David Krause, Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera, this episode delves deep into Ortiz’s creative journey, her roots in music, and the challenges she has navigated as a contemporary composer.

Early Life and Musical Roots

Gabriela Ortiz’s musical journey is deeply intertwined with her upbringing in a household rich with folk and classical traditions. Born to parents who were members of Los Folkloristas, a renowned Mexican musical group dedicated to traditional Latin American music, Ortiz was immersed in a diverse musical environment from a young age.

Ortiz (09:12): "My father is always saying that since I was just even a baby, if they play sad music, I start crying. But if they play something fun, I would start laughing."

Growing up, Ortiz was not only exposed to folk music but also received classical training under her mother’s guidance.

Ortiz (09:32): "I start playing the piano. Classical training. But obviously my first contact with music was just playing folk music, and that was really incredible."

This dual exposure laid a robust foundation for her future in composition, blending the rhythmic intricacies of folk with the structured elegance of classical music.

Discovering Her Voice: From Flamenco to Classical Composition

Ortiz’s passion for music was further diversified by her brief foray into flamenco dancing, inspired by the movie Carmen and the renowned dancer Antonio Gades.

Ortiz (13:00): "I said to my father, this is it. I'm not going to finish my high school. I want to move to Spain, and I want to be part of the company of Antonio Gades."

Despite her initial inclination towards dance, her father’s insistence on continuing her musical education steered her back to composing, allowing her to explore and eventually solidify her unique musical voice.

Navigating the Musical Landscape: Challenges and Triumphs

Ortiz’s journey as a composer has been marked by both cultural and professional challenges. During the post-Mexican Revolution era, a strong nationalist movement influenced the arts, pushing artists towards indigenous and local themes. However, as modernism took hold in the 50s and 60s, Ortiz found herself at a crossroads, struggling to reconcile her Latin American roots with European classical influences.

Ortiz (14:14): "I never fit into that aesthetic. Never. So it was complicated because I was trying to do my own thing."

Her determination to maintain her cultural identity in her compositions often met with criticism, labeling her work as "too Latin American" or "too Mexican." This struggle prompted her to seek opportunities abroad, leading to a pivotal moment in Germany where her perseverance paid off.

Breaking Barriers: The Path to Carnegie Hall

One of Ortiz’s most defining moments came when she approached the Mexico City Philharmonic in a bold move, seeking to have her composition performed without an appointment. Her tenacity led to her piece being programmed, earning her acceptance into prestigious institutions like the Royal Academy and the Royal College through her unique presentation score.

Ortiz (19:31): "I did it in the tough way. You know, just by sitting there. And I was terrified."

This breakthrough not only validated her efforts but also underscored the importance of resilience in her career.

Creative Process: Trusting the Intuition

Ortiz emphasizes the significance of intuition and trust in her creative process. She relies heavily on her ear and innate sense of musicality to guide her compositions.

Ortiz (01:02): "I trust in my ear and my ear is my tool. So I know that, okay, I want to take this risk, but I think I'm gonna get it."

Her inspiration draws from diverse sources, including poems, paintings, and novels, allowing her compositions to transcend traditional boundaries and resonate on a universal level.

Ortiz (04:14): "Sometimes I want to explore something really musical. Sometimes I get inspirations from a poem, from a painting, from a novel."

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

A recurring theme in Ortiz’s work is the balance between honoring traditional musical forms and pushing the envelope with innovative compositions. Her pieces are often juxtaposed with classical masterpieces by composers like Dvorak and Mendelssohn, creating a dialogue between the old and the new.

Ortiz (02:24): "I think it's really good when you combine a new piece with a very famous piece."

This strategy not only introduces her work to established classical audiences but also fosters a deeper appreciation for contemporary compositions.

Overcoming Obstacles: Economic and Professional Stability

Ortiz candidly discusses the financial and logistical challenges faced by composers, especially in regions where securing performances can be arduous. Her role as a full-time professor at a Mexican university provided economic stability, allowing her to focus on her compositions without the constant pressure of securing commissions.

Ortiz (17:06): "I resolved that problem by being a full-time professor at the Mexican University. At least I was not worrying to have a commission or not at the beginning of my career."

Her dedication to her craft, exemplified by her persistent efforts to have her work performed, highlights the resilience required in the world of composition.

Current Achievements and Future Aspirations

As the current Richard and Barbara Debs Composer Chair at Carnegie Hall, Ortiz continues to shape the contemporary classical landscape. She expresses profound satisfaction in witnessing her compositions evoke emotional responses from audiences.

Ortiz (20:58): "It's so important. It's a big journey and you never stop. It's a nonstop learning journey."

Despite the emotional toll at times, such as bouts of depression and creative blocks, she remains committed to enriching the spirits of her listeners through her music.

Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Gabriela Ortiz’s story is one of passion, cultural fusion, and unwavering perseverance. From her rich musical upbringing to overcoming cultural and professional obstacles, her journey underscores the profound impact of trust in one’s creative instincts and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic identity. As she continues to contribute to the classical music world, Ortiz remains an inspiring figure for aspiring composers and musicians alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Gabriela Ortiz (01:02):

  "I trust in my ear and my ear is my tool. So I know that, okay, I want to take this risk, but I think I'm gonna get it."

• Gabriela Ortiz (02:24):

  "I think it's really good when you combine a new piece with a very famous piece."

• Gabriela Ortiz (04:14):

  "Sometimes I want to explore something really musical. Sometimes I get inspirations from a poem, from a painting, from a novel."

• Gabriela Ortiz (17:06):

  "I resolved that problem by being a full-time professor at the Mexican University. At least I was not worrying to have a commission or not at the beginning of my career."

• Gabriela Ortiz (20:58):

  "It's so important. It's a big journey and you never stop. It's a nonstop learning journey."

About the Podcast:

Speaking Soundly offers backstage access to conversations with world-renowned musicians, exploring their creative processes and personal journeys. Hosted by David Krause, each episode provides listeners with inspiring insights from top performers in the music industry.

For more episodes and information, visit artfulnarrativesmedia.com or follow on Instagram at @speaking_sndly.