674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?

David Lang's 'The Wealth of Nations' had four sold-out performances at the New York Philharmonic in March. Audience members responded enthusiastically to the piece, finding it emotionally powerful and intellectually engaging. Lang experienced the typical post-premiere depression that follows major works, though the performances were critically acclaimed. The piece successfully transformed Adam Smith's economic treatise into an emotionally resonant musical experience that challenged preconceptions.

• The composition had four sold-out performances by the New York Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel
• Published reviews were positive, with Stacey Vanek-Smith noting that Lang showed economics can be profoundly human
• Audience members found the piece moving, with responses ranging from appreciation of the crescendos to recognition of the beautiful human dimension

Lang discusses the anxiety and self-doubt that accompanies premiering a major work, revealing his modest definition of success as simply not appearing incompetent. He explains how composers set themselves up with internal checklists of potential mistakes, particularly concerning repeated musical patterns that could amplify errors. Despite his worries, Lang was pleased with how emotional moments like the woolen coat movement and Fleur Baron's unaccompanied arias resonated with audiences.

• Lang's definition of success is simply not appearing incompetent, setting a deliberately low bar
• The composer worries about mistakes being amplified due to extensive repetition in his music
• Lang was particularly concerned about whether the woolen coat movement would feel as emotional to audiences as it did to him
• The solo arias by Fleur Baron with no accompaniment were a risk that paid off emotionally