Meaning: The quote by Brian Ferneyhough, a renowned composer, reflects his decision to leave Europe in 1987 in order to gain a certain distance from the prevailing trends in composition that were causing him disquiet. This departure was motivated by a desire to maintain a critical perspective on these trends, which he felt were encroaching upon his role as a composition teacher.

Ferneyhough's decision to seek distance from the European music scene in the late 1980s is significant in understanding his approach to composition and teaching. Born in Coventry, England in 1943, Ferneyhough is known for his complex and challenging musical compositions that push the boundaries of traditional music notation and performance. His music often demands a high level of technical proficiency from the performers, and it is characterized by intricate rhythms, dense textures, and elaborate structures.

The quote suggests that Ferneyhough was concerned about the impact of certain musical tendencies on his role as a composition teacher. It implies that he felt the need to distance himself from these trends in order to maintain a critical and independent perspective. This decision reflects Ferneyhough's commitment to artistic integrity and his willingness to challenge the status quo in the pursuit of his creative vision.

One possible interpretation of the quote is that Ferneyhough was wary of becoming too closely associated with prevailing musical trends that he found troubling. By seeking a "cool distance" from these tendencies, he aimed to preserve his autonomy and critical perspective as a composition teacher. This suggests that he was committed to nurturing a space for alternative and dissenting voices within the field of composition, rather than simply adhering to dominant paradigms.

Ferneyhough's departure from Europe in 1987 marked a significant turning point in his career. It led him to take up teaching positions in the United States, where he continued to exert a profound influence on a new generation of composers. By relocating to a different continent, Ferneyhough was able to engage with a different cultural and musical context, which likely contributed to the evolution of his compositional style and pedagogical approach.

In summary, Brian Ferneyhough's quote reflects his decision to leave Europe in 1987 in order to gain a critical distance from prevailing musical tendencies and to maintain his relevance as a composition teacher. This decision underlines his commitment to artistic integrity and his willingness to challenge established norms in the pursuit of his creative vision. Ferneyhough's relocation to the United States marked a significant chapter in his career, allowing him to continue his influential work as a composer and teacher in a new cultural and musical context.