Textually hyperdense and accelerated for the
televisual age, the multimedia music theatre of composer Robert
Ashley has been called the future of opera, as well as the first to
exploit the unique rhythms of the American voice. Following this
year's premiere of his new work Celestial Excursions, Thom Holmes
meets the composer to discuss his founding role in the Sonic Arts
Union, his love of TV, and his celebration of life on the margins.
This article originally appeared in The Wire 234 (August
2003).
ON THE COVER: New Weird America - Sunburned Hand
of the Man are spearheading the groundswell of the US free folk
revolution. By David Keenan
FEATURES: Primer: Fela Kuti, Robert Ashley, Phew,
Mike Paradinas, The Pastels, Niobe, Cedric Im Brooks, Tu m'
Buy - £6.00