Grant Chu Covell

Managing Editor Grant Chu Covell works in the Boston area. He once worked for a global technology company that made hardware which Xenakis and Babbitt used to good effect. He was the publisher of the brilliant but forgotten The Periodic Journal of Bibliography (1990-95), and his music reviews have appeared in EAR Magazine and InMusic. His instrumental and electroacoustic music has been performed in the U.S. and abroad, and he has shared many CDs of his music with family and friends (one piece was recorded in a refrigerator). A short article about a composition he wrote for piano and tape can be found in the Csound Magazine. Two electroacoustic works have appeared in commercial compilations: Presence III and The Door Project. A recent CD can be found here, and another is in preparation. A long departed family dog’s name was taken from a character in Wagner’s Ring.

String Theory 1: Violins and Violas

In unceasing motion, Oesterle juggles 70 four-pitch groups into repeating patterns, generally double-stops with frequent harmonics, uneven rhythmic profiles and infrequent fast notes.

String Theory 1: Violins and Violas

In unceasing motion, Oesterle juggles 70 four-pitch groups into repeating patterns, generally double-stops with frequent harmonics, uneven rhythmic profiles and infrequent fast notes.

Armchair Operas 5.

A pair of DVDs present some of the short-lived Vivier’s most important works in theatrical performances, a two-evening spectacle, Rêves d’un Marco Polo, assembled by de Leeuw and Audi.

Armchair Operas 5.

A pair of DVDs present some of the short-lived Vivier’s most important works in theatrical performances, a two-evening spectacle, Rêves d’un Marco Polo, assembled by de Leeuw and Audi.

Neben Wagner

Leveraging Google’s big-brother technology, I discover that I’ve only mentioned the lucky recipient of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s patronage in passing. In this line of work, avoiding Wagner is like a wine snob steering clear of Bordeaux.

Neben Wagner

Leveraging Google’s big-brother technology, I discover that I’ve only mentioned the lucky recipient of “Mad King” Ludwig II’s patronage in passing. In this line of work, avoiding Wagner is like a wine snob steering clear of Bordeaux.

Mostly Symphonies 12: Russian Angles

These two scores for films by Elem Klimov are wonderful discoveries… Both scores run rampant over moods and styles, and some may find the electric guitars and Esquivel-like flourishes a bit campy.

Mostly Symphonies 12: Russian Angles

These two scores for films by Elem Klimov are wonderful discoveries… Both scores run rampant over moods and styles, and some may find the electric guitars and Esquivel-like flourishes a bit campy.

EA Bucket 10.

Antagonismes IV hides in Mix 03, the third brick of Universal’s Pierre Henry collection. Fifteen movements span 1:03:35 of pure poetry.

EA Bucket 10.

Antagonismes IV hides in Mix 03, the third brick of Universal’s Pierre Henry collection. Fifteen movements span 1:03:35 of pure poetry.

Eternal Schubert and Disarrangements

Normand Forget arranges with a light hand, avoiding obvious colors and associations. Indeed the intermittent alto flute, bass clarinet, oboe d’amore and Baroque horn add smoky hues.

Eternal Schubert and Disarrangements

Normand Forget arranges with a light hand, avoiding obvious colors and associations. Indeed the intermittent alto flute, bass clarinet, oboe d’amore and Baroque horn add smoky hues.

Armchair Operas 4.

I recall when this 1987 recording first appeared, suddenly illuminating a forgotten genre. The French Baroque gestures made a strong impression, and I subsequently trusted Christie and Les Arts Florissants for period favorites…

Armchair Operas 4.

I recall when this 1987 recording first appeared, suddenly illuminating a forgotten genre. The French Baroque gestures made a strong impression, and I subsequently trusted Christie and Les Arts Florissants for period favorites…

Thumbing Around: Ives’ 114 Songs

“Though there is little danger of it, it is hoped that this song will not be taken seriously, or sung, at least, in public.”

Thumbing Around: Ives’ 114 Songs

“Though there is little danger of it, it is hoped that this song will not be taken seriously, or sung, at least, in public.”

Solos and Underdogs

Low, breathy woodwind timbres are among my favorites (there’s a great passage in the first movement of Mahler’s Ninth), and the two double concertos offer ample room for dexterity and color.

Solos and Underdogs

Low, breathy woodwind timbres are among my favorites (there’s a great passage in the first movement of Mahler’s Ninth), and the two double concertos offer ample room for dexterity and color.

Kurtág’s Játékok, et al.: Hungarian Holiday 2.

As the years have gone by, Játékok (seven published volumes with at least two, possibly others, in preparation) has come to express Kurtág’s worldview through homages, in memoriams, calling cards and birthday greetings.

Kurtág’s Játékok, et al.: Hungarian Holiday 2.

As the years have gone by, Játékok (seven published volumes with at least two, possibly others, in preparation) has come to express Kurtág’s worldview through homages, in memoriams, calling cards and birthday greetings.

Visiting Scelsi

In ancient times, Via di San Teodoro was called Vicus Tuscus, “Etruscan Street,” consisting of booksellers and shops with offerings of rare perfumes and Chinese silks. The modern street faces the ruins of the Palatine Hill, just southeast of the Roman Forum’s remains. Giacinto Scelsi lived at number 8.

Visiting Scelsi

In ancient times, Via di San Teodoro was called Vicus Tuscus, “Etruscan Street,” consisting of booksellers and shops with offerings of rare perfumes and Chinese silks. The modern street faces the ruins of the Palatine Hill, just southeast of the Roman Forum’s remains. Giacinto Scelsi lived at number 8.

Statistically Speaking, the End Is Near

I’m the sort who types “xenakis” or “lachenmann” into search engines just for the hell of it.

Statistically Speaking, the End Is Near

I’m the sort who types “xenakis” or “lachenmann” into search engines just for the hell of it.