While he’s known as one of the great jazz innovators, Vijay Iyer also has had a parallel career as a composer of classical music. Today, he discusses his debut orchestral album Vijay Iyer: Trouble, recorded with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project led by Gil Rose; his classical music roots; and his dynamic journey through various musical genres. From his early violin lessons to his groundbreaking work in jazz and contemporary classical music, Iyer shares insights into his creative process and the collaborations that have shaped his illustrious career.
Iyer discusses the profound importance of jazz and Black music in his development as a musician, how the rich legacy of Black music has been a backbone of American culture and how it has significantly influenced his artistic journey. Reflecting on his collaborations with jazz legends—like NEA Jazz Master Roscoe Mitchell—and his deep respect for the contributions of Black artists, Iyer highlights the ongoing impact of these traditions on his work. He also reflects on the challenges and joys of composing for an orchestra, and the process of merging classical and jazz elements in his compositions.
