674. How Does a Composer Feel After the World Premiere?
From Freakonomics Radio by Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
May 8, 2026 · 45 min · Episode 674
About this episode
Stephen Dubner explores the emotional journey of a composer after a world premiere, featuring insights from David Lang and reactions from fans and the New York Philharmonic's president.
Great. Then depressed. Then great again. Stephen Dubner gets the full story from David Lang; we also hear from some fans, and the New York Philharmonic’s president. The math and the aftermath of “wealth of nations.” (Part two of a series.)
People in this episode
Host: Stephen Dubner
Guest: David Lang
Topics covered
- composer emotions
- world premiere
- music industry
- audience reaction
- wealth of nations
Keywords
- composer
- world premiere
- David Lang
- New York Philharmonic
- audience
- emotions
- music
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: New York Philharmonic
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