Julius Eastman

 
Julius Eastman (1940-1990) was an American composer, pianist, vocalist, and dancer whose work fell under minimalism. He was among the first composers to combine minimalist processes with elements of pop music.
There was some for John Cage, then came Christian Wolff, and finally Morton Feldman, from this school in New York. Only Julius Eastman remained outside the game, the last figure, the most solitary and enigmatic—undoubtedly also one of the most powerful. In the 1970s and 1980s, Eastman was one of the very few African-Americans to gain recognition in the New York avant-garde music scene. He was politically committed, a figure of queer culture and a solar and solitary poet whose melancholy influenced his genius as well as his tragic destiny: suffering from various addictions, declared missing, actually homeless. During Winter of 1981-82, he got deported from his apartment by the police, who destroyed most of what he owned—including scores and recordings. He was found dead in 1990, on the streets of Buffalo, after years of vagrancy.
 
Julius Eastman - Femenine (2 vinyl LP)
2023
Frozen Reeds
The definitive edition of the historical recording of Julius Eastman's major piece performed in 1974 by S.E.M. Ensemble, remastered by Jim O'Rourke, available on vinyl for the first time.
Julius Eastman - Two Extended Pieces For Four Pianos (2 vinyl LP)
2022
Sub Rosa
sold out
Julius Eastman's Four Pianos (1979-80), performed by Melaine Dalibert, Stephane Ginsburgh, Nicols Horvath and Wilhem Latchoumia.
Julius Eastman - Gay Guerrilla - L\'histoire de Julius Eastman
2022
French edition
Éditions 1989
A collection of biographical and musical essays about composer-performer Julius Eastman—a compelling portrait of Eastman's enigmatic and intriguing life and music.
Julius Eastman - Three Extended Pieces For Four Pianos (2 CD)
2021
Sub Rosa
sold out
Julius Eastman's Four Pianos (1979-80), performed by Melaine Dalibert, Stephane Ginsburgh, Nicols Horvath and Wilhem Latchoumia.
Julius Eastman - Femenine - Performed by ensemble 0  (CD)
2021
Sub Rosa
sold out
Julius Eastman's major yet long-forgotten ensemble piece from 1974, dense and hypnotic, played by Ensemble 0.
Julius Eastman - We Have Delivered Ourselves From the Tonal - Of, Towards, On, For Julius Eastman
2021
English edition
Archive Books
A collection of essays, librettos, lyrics, memories, photos, personal anecdotes by musicians, visual artists, researchers and archivers that pays homage to the work and life of African-American composer, musician, performer, activist Julius Eastman.


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