Edgard VareseEdgard Varese

1883-19651883-1965

BackgroundBackground

Thought of as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

“The Stratospheric Colossus of Sound” Developed concept of organized sound

leading to experiments regarding form and texture.

One of the first to work with electronics, percussion, and taped sounds.

Thought of as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

“The Stratospheric Colossus of Sound” Developed concept of organized sound

leading to experiments regarding form and texture.

One of the first to work with electronics, percussion, and taped sounds.

Genres of WorkGenres of Work

Throughout his career, Varese worked in: -Avant-Garde Music -Vocal Music -Chamber Music -Orchestral

Throughout his career, Varese worked in: -Avant-Garde Music -Vocal Music -Chamber Music -Orchestral

Ameriques (Part 1) - 10:01Ameriques (Part 1) - 10:01

Written in 1918 after Varese had immigrated to the U.S. from Europe.

"...all discoveries, all adventures. (America) meant the unknown. And in this symbolical sense -- new worlds on this planet, in outer space, and in the minds of men -- I gave the title signifying 'Americas' to the first work I wrote in America” (Varese 1918).

Piece emulates activities of NY’s Hudson River of the time.

Written in 1918 after Varese had immigrated to the U.S. from Europe.

"...all discoveries, all adventures. (America) meant the unknown. And in this symbolical sense -- new worlds on this planet, in outer space, and in the minds of men -- I gave the title signifying 'Americas' to the first work I wrote in America” (Varese 1918).

Piece emulates activities of NY’s Hudson River of the time.

ReactionsReactions

Very active sound, similarities to film scores of the 70s and 80s.

Gives a sense of personality to the workspace.

Dramatic shifts.

Very active sound, similarities to film scores of the 70s and 80s.

Gives a sense of personality to the workspace.

Dramatic shifts.

Poeme Electronique - 08:07

Poeme Electronique - 08:07

Created for 1958’s Brussels Worlds Fair as Part of a Multi-Media Presentation.

One of the First Pieces Realized in Full Though Electronics.

The Collaboration Between Le Corbusier and Varese Allowed for a Unique Piece.

Created for 1958’s Brussels Worlds Fair as Part of a Multi-Media Presentation.

One of the First Pieces Realized in Full Though Electronics.

The Collaboration Between Le Corbusier and Varese Allowed for a Unique Piece.

ReactionsReactions

Combination of Electronic Sounds, Components.

Sense of Entering a Different World.

Unfamiliarity, Distress.

Combination of Electronic Sounds, Components.

Sense of Entering a Different World.

Unfamiliarity, Distress.

The Well of the SoulsThe Well of the Souls

John WilliamsJohn Williams