Monday, April 2, 2012

Mary Jane Leach: 'A few years ago I produced a 3 cd set of music by Julius Eastman'


[Unjust Malaise; Julius Eastman, Composer; New World Records 80638 (3 CDs) (2005)]

On March 3, 2012 AfriClassical posted: “Sequenza 21/: Julius 'Eastman's music...spoke loud and clear.'” Today composer Mary Jane Leach writes to us about Eastman. Her link leads to several photos and a lengthy essay derived from an article of hers in New Music Box. Those who would like an introduction to the story of Julius Eastman's creative life and music would be well advised to follow the link below:

“Hi,

I just came across your site. I'm assuming you were not trying to be all inclusive, but I can suggest quite a few more names if you're interested. A few years ago I produced a 3 cd set of music by Julius Eastman, who was also an incredible performer, and whose work is now getting to be better known. But he's just the tip of the iceberg, as I'm sure you know.


All best,
Mary Jane Leach"

Mary Jane Leach
Composer
"People say that Leach's music is hard to listen to. Well, Beethoven's music is hard to listen to - at first." — Otto Luening

Composer(s): Julius Eastman 
Album Title: Unjust Malaise 
Cat. No.: 80638 (3 CDs) 
Genre: Classical 
Release Date: 11/2005 
Description: Unjust Malaise
Members of Creative Associates; Jodi Beder, Sarah Carter, Barry Gold, Julie Green, Christine Gummere, Maureen Hynes, Chase Morrison, Abby Newton, Larry Rawdon, David Sabee, cellos; Frank Ferko, Janet Kattas, Patricia Martin, pianos; Julius Eastman, piano, voice, conductor 

“This three-disc set marks the first appearance on disc of the music of the African-American composer Julius Eastman (1940-1990), who died sixteen years ago under unexplained circumstances and whose musical legacy was thought lost. This comprehensive and definitive document, which comprises almost all of Eastman's signature works, will undoubtedly be a revelation for those who have thus far been unable to hear his work."  

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