Composer

:

Julius Eastman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1979

Average_duration

:

21:29

"Evil Nigger" is a minimalist composition by Julius Eastman, an African-American composer, pianist, and vocalist. The piece was composed in 1979 and premiered the same year at Northwestern University. It is a solo piano work that consists of a single repeated phrase, gradually increasing in volume and intensity. The piece is divided into two movements, with the second movement being a faster and more intense version of the first. The title of the piece has been a subject of controversy, with some arguing that it is offensive and others arguing that it is a powerful statement against racism. Eastman himself stated that the title was meant to be provocative and to challenge the audience's assumptions about race and identity. The first movement of "Evil Nigger" begins with a simple, repetitive phrase played softly on the piano. The phrase gradually increases in volume and intensity, with the pianist playing more forcefully and with greater speed. The second movement is a faster and more intense version of the first, with the pianist playing the same phrase at a frenzied pace. The piece is characterized by its minimalist style, with a focus on repetition and gradual variation. The repetitive nature of the piece creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as the audience waits for the phrase to build to its climax. The use of repetition also creates a sense of unity and coherence, as the audience is drawn into the hypnotic rhythm of the piece. Overall, "Evil Nigger" is a powerful and provocative work that challenges the audience's assumptions about race and identity. Its minimalist style and repetitive structure create a sense of tension and anticipation, while its title and subject matter provoke a strong emotional response. Despite its controversial title, the piece has become an important part of the minimalist canon and a testament to Eastman's unique voice as a composer.

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