Puts is also a very good public representative of contemporary music. The public adores him and he is frequently commissioned by patrons. Despite his academic skills (he has a doctorate in composition and studied at the finest music conservatories in America), he is tall and athletic and friendly. Basically, doesn't fit the old loner weirdo stereotypes of what some think a composer would be. I've been fortunate to hang out with him on occasions including rehearsals of some of his premieres. We went for a walk after the rehearsal and he had absolutely no ego, was fully curious in my musical experiences and very engaging. I'm a huge fan of the person as well as the music he creates. I met him for the first time back in 2002 when he was quite unknown but his music was searing and powerfully moving. Marin Alsop was a huge fan of his already and he taught at the school I graduated from. He was quite young (I believe 30 years old back then) and brilliant and I love everything he's written.
Great to read - thanks for sharing. I heard Puts’
Lento assai for string quartet (based on the slow movement of Beethoven’s op. 135) performed live a couple years ago - a very moving work. I see he has written a cello concerto which I’d very much like to hear!
