Varese: Astronomer in Sound

The works of Edgard Varese (1883-1965) represent the most radical expression of 20th-century Modernism in music. Not only did he create such orchestral showpieces as Ameriques and Arcana and such mainstays of the instrumental repertoire as Octandre and Density 21:5; he also pioneered works for percussion ensemble and electronic music, both on tape and using electronic instruments. Yet books about Varese are few. Either they are biographical studies by non-musicians, or severely analytical t...