Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

August 20, 1953

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

David First is a renowned American composer, musician, and sound artist who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on December 22, 1953, in New York City, where he grew up and developed a passion for music at a young age. First's parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue his interest in music. First began his musical journey by learning to play the guitar, which he later expanded to include other instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, and lap steel guitar. He was also interested in electronic music and began experimenting with synthesizers and other electronic instruments in the 1970s. In the early 1980s, First became involved in the New York City experimental music scene, where he collaborated with other musicians and artists to create innovative and boundary-pushing works. He was a member of the influential band The Notekillers, which was known for its avant-garde approach to music. First's early works were heavily influenced by minimalism and drone music, which he combined with electronic and acoustic instruments to create unique and immersive soundscapes. He also drew inspiration from Indian classical music and incorporated elements of raga and other Indian musical traditions into his compositions. One of First's most notable works from this period is "Privacy Issues," a piece for guitar and electronics that was released in 1988. The piece features a hypnotic, repetitive guitar riff that is gradually layered with electronic effects and other instruments, creating a mesmerizing and immersive listening experience. In the 1990s, First continued to explore new musical territories, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and other genres into his compositions. He also began to experiment with new technologies, such as computer software and digital processing, to create even more complex and intricate soundscapes. One of First's most significant works from this period is "The World Just Keeps Going," a multimedia piece that was commissioned by the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1995. The piece features a live performance by First and his band, accompanied by a video projection that incorporates footage from the Hubble Space Telescope and other sources. The result is a stunning and immersive audiovisual experience that explores the vastness of the universe and the human experience within it. In the 2000s, First continued to push the boundaries of classical music, incorporating elements of noise, improvisation, and other experimental techniques into his compositions. He also began to explore the possibilities of live performance, collaborating with other musicians and artists to create immersive and interactive experiences for audiences. One of First's most notable works from this period is "The Consumption of Righteousness," a multimedia piece that was commissioned by the New York City arts organization Roulette in 2008. The piece features a live performance by First and his band, accompanied by a video projection that incorporates footage from the Iraq War and other sources. The result is a powerful and thought-provoking commentary on the human cost of war and the politics of power. Today, First continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music. He has released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide range of musicians and artists, always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music and sound art.

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