The Music of Edgard Varése and Friends
Edgard Varése (Paris, 1883–New York, 1965) is known as the father of electronic music. He prepared for a career as an engineer by studying mathematics and science. He studied the notebooks of da Vinci. Pulled towards music, he used his learned scientific principles to study the science of sound. Varése spent the majority of his life waiting for technology to catch up with him. His unique voice and eclectic aesthetic influenced countless younger generations — among them, Frank Zappa, Charlie Parker and The Beatles — even though his entire output can be performed in about three hours.
Program
Varése | Octandre (piccolo/flute, oboe, B-flat clarinet, E-flat clarinet, horn, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, double bass)
Varése | Poem Electronique (tape)
Varése | Density 21.5 (solo flute)
Varése | Ionisation (13 percussion)
Frank Zappa | Bebop Tango (rock band)
Heitor Villa Lobos | The Three Marias (piano)
Solo works for Theremin
Founded in 2010 by composer-conductor Brian S. Wilson, Sonoma Musica Viva presents significant chamber works from the 20th and 21st centuries, using the combined talents of studio faculty members, North Bay professionals, and qualified student performers.
“I long for instruments obedient to my thought and whim, with their contribution of a whole new world of unsuspected sounds, which will lend themselves to the exigencies of my inner rhythm.” —Edgard Varése