We have lost another legend. George Crumb was not only a spellbinding sonic magician; he was the kindest, gentlest, most ebullient soul, and he opened the heart of every musician lucky enough to work with him. His 1971 masterpiece “Vox Balaenae,” inspired by one of the first publicly available recordings of humpback whales in 1969, was my gateway drug as a 19-year-old at Oberlin Conservatory stumbling into contemporary chamber music for the first time. It’s difficult to imagine my life and @intcontemporary’s life without this piece as the portal. His music is uncategorizable, unparalleled, unmatched—and his humility, generosity, and humanity are deep, guiding forces for all of us. Rest in power, dear George. 💔