Essential Eastman
Discover an unsung trailblazer of minimalism: Julius Eastman (1940-1990) was a composer, pianist, and vocalist who is best known for his contributions to the minimalist music movement. He was one of the first composers to combine minimalist processes with elements of pop music and experimental methods in what he called "organic music." Eastman's music is characterised by its repetitive patterns, long durations and the use of unconventional instruments and techniques, such as vocal improvisation and electronic manipulation. His works include compositions for solo piano, chamber ensembles, and large orchestras, as well as experimental pieces for theatre and dance.
Read more…Eastman's music was often political, controversial and dealt with themes of race, gender, and sexuality, and he was a vocal advocate for the rights of marginalised communities.
As a performer, he worked with luminaries of the avantgarde like Meredith Monk and Arthur Russel and although his music was not widely performed or recorded during his lifetime, he is regarded today as one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century, as his works have seen a remarkable renaissance in recent years. We’ve compiled an overview of the maverick composer’s music in this playlist.