(September 2023) Episode 521 is GLORIA COATES, begun after her recent passing. She was an American composer who spend most of her professional years in Germany who, when not composing, worked to bring American classical music to Germany. Her compositions are definitely avant-garde. She is known for her abundant portfolio of symphonies and chamber pieces. Her signature sound is strings gliding up and down the neck (glissando), creating a continuous microtonalism. This creates a dark and disturbing tone and while not intended as such, it would not be out of place in a horror film. This is why I like it!
Favorite piece: Symphony No. 9 “Homage to Van Gogh”
Favorite chamber piece: String Quartet No. 5
Favorite solo piece: Sonata for Violin
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: It is not easy listening music, but is interesting for its unique characteristics
Opus Project 