Varse: A Looking-Glass Diary

ISBN: 0393336166

Author: Varese, Louise

Condition: New

Edgard Victor Achille Charles Varse (also spelled Edgar Varse; 22 December 1883 - 2 November 6 1965) was an innovative French-born composer who spent the greater part of his career in the United States. Varse's music emphasizes timbre and rhythm. He was the inventor of the term "organized sound", a phrase meaning that certain timbres and rhythms can be grouped together, sublimating into a whole new definition of music. Although his complete surviving works only last about three hours, he has been recognised as an influence by several major composers of the late 20th century. His use of new instruments and electronic resources led to his being known as the "Father of Electronic Music" while Henry Miller described him as "The stratospheric Colossus of Sound". In this personal memoir, Louise Varse tells of her husband's moods, passions, and inspirations; of his family; his friendships in the worlds of music, art, and literature; his struggles against apathy and critical incomprehension.