Meaning: This quote by composer Brian Ferneyhough encapsulates his perspective on the importance of stylistic continuity in his work. Ferneyhough is known for his avant-garde and complex compositions, and his approach to musical creation is deeply rooted in his belief in maintaining a consistent stylistic approach across his body of work. In this quote, Ferneyhough emphasizes the significance of maintaining a cohesive stylistic identity throughout his compositions rather than focusing on the specific relationships between individual pieces and their stylistic counterparts in the broader musical landscape.

Ferneyhough's emphasis on stylistic continuity reflects his commitment to developing a distinct and recognizable artistic voice. For him, this continuity serves as a means of establishing a coherent and unified aesthetic that extends across his compositions. By prioritizing this stylistic continuity, Ferneyhough seeks to create a sense of interconnectedness and coherence within his body of work, allowing each piece to contribute to a larger artistic narrative.

In addition to fostering artistic coherence, Ferneyhough's insistence on stylistic continuity also speaks to his desire to challenge traditional notions of musical composition. His avant-garde approach often pushes the boundaries of conventional musical structures and techniques, and by maintaining a consistent stylistic identity, he reinforces his commitment to exploring and expanding the possibilities of contemporary music.

Furthermore, Ferneyhough's emphasis on stylistic continuity can be seen as a rejection of the notion of individual works as isolated entities. Instead, he envisions his compositions as part of a larger stylistic "family," each contributing to and enriching the overarching artistic lineage that he has cultivated throughout his career. By prioritizing this continuity, Ferneyhough underscores the interconnectedness of his compositions, highlighting their shared stylistic DNA and the evolutionary development of his artistic language.

It is also important to note that Ferneyhough's approach to stylistic continuity aligns with his broader philosophical and aesthetic convictions. As a composer deeply engaged with the complexities of contemporary music, he seeks to imbue his work with a sense of purposeful innovation and intellectual rigor. By maintaining a consistent stylistic approach, Ferneyhough underscores the depth of his artistic exploration and the deliberate evolution of his musical language over time.

Overall, Ferneyhough's quote encapsulates his unwavering commitment to stylistic continuity as a foundational principle in his approach to composition. Through this emphasis, he not only establishes a cohesive and recognizable artistic identity but also challenges traditional notions of musical creation, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and evolution within his body of work. His dedication to maintaining a stylistic continuum underscores the depth and complexity of his artistic vision, positioning his compositions as integral components of a broader, stylistically cohesive narrative.