
He studied with John Corigliano and Christopher Rouse, and his music bears their stamp. I also hear the influences of Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt and even Michael Nyman. As with all of these composers, there’s a direct, heart-on-sleeve quality to Muhly’s music, and a willingness to engage with his audience’s received musical culture. He seeks fresh new pathways to follow – but he’s no iconoclast, out to overthrow anyone or anything.