Edgard Varese

Date of Birth: December 22, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 6, 1965

Biography

Edgard Varèse, born Edgard Victor Achille Charles Varèse, was a French-born composer who spent the greater part of his career in the United States. He is often referred to as the “Father of Electronic Music” due to his pioneering work in the use of electronic instruments and new sound technologies. Varèse was born in Paris on December 22, 1883, and he studied at various prestigious institutions in Europe, including the Schola Cantorum and the Conservatoire de Paris, where he was mentored by prominent composers such as Charles-Marie Widor and Albert Roussel. In 1915, Varèse moved to the United States, where he became a leading figure in the American avant-garde music scene. His works were characterized by their unconventional structures, innovative use of rhythm, and the incorporation of electronic sounds. Some of his most famous compositions include “Amériques,” “Ionisation,” and “Déserts.” Varèse’s influence extended beyond the classical music world, impacting a range of genres and inspiring numerous composers and musicians. Varèse passed away on November 6, 1965, in New York City, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of contemporary and electronic music.

5 Interesting Facts about Edgard Varese

1. Varèse founded the International Composers’ Guild in 1921, an organization dedicated to promoting new music and contemporary composers.

2. His piece “Ionisation” (1931) is one of the first works written solely for percussion ensemble and is considered a landmark in 20th-century music.

3. Varèse was a pioneer in the use of tape music and electronic sounds, experimenting with new technologies long before they became mainstream.

4. He had a significant influence on Frank Zappa, who referred to Varèse as his greatest inspiration.

5. After a long period of creative silence, Varèse returned with the groundbreaking piece “Déserts” in 1954, which combined traditional instruments with tape-recorded sounds.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edgard Varese

1. “I dream of instruments obedient to my thought and which with their contribution of a whole new world of unsuspected sounds, will lend themselves to the exigencies of my inner rhythm.”

2. “The present day composer refuses to die.”

3. “Music is organized sound.”

4. “Our musical alphabet must be enriched. We also need new instruments very badly.”

5. “There is an idea, the basis of an internal structure, expanded and split into different shapes or groups of sound, giving an overall sense of unity.”