February 9, 2024

Reviving the world of a ‘musician to the fullest’

Stanford Live and the Department of Music kick off a weekend immersion in the work of avant-garde composer and activist Julius Eastman.

By Kelsey Carman

Students in MUSIC 159M rehearse with the music ensemble Wild Up for a performance of composer Julius Eastman’s work in Bing Concert Hall. (Image credit: Andrew Brodhead)

Julius Eastman’s music was ahead of its time. Born in Manhattan in 1940, the composer, pianist, and Grammy-nominated vocalist aimed to be “Black to the fullest, a musician to the fullest, a homosexual to the fullest.” Though he forged a place in New York’s experimental music scene of the 1970s and ’80s, he faded into obscurity after his death in 1990 and his music was largely forgotten for decades.

Today, Eastman’s original scores are being heard again at Stanford. Stanford Live and Hans Kretz, lecturer in the Department of Music in the School of the Humanities and Sciences, have created a course for winter quarter titled Gay Guerilla: a hands-on experience of the life, music, and legacy of Julius Eastman. The class includes lectures, guest speakers, and a chance to take part in a Stanford Live performance.

Julius Eastman (1940-1990) expanded the boundaries of the classical avant-garde music style and used the power of his work to provoke questions about racism and homophobia. (Image credit: Ron Hammond)

Eastman wanted his music to be a tool for social change and to get people involved, says Christopher Rountree, the founder, conductor, and creative director of the music ensemble Wild Up. “It is music that calls for agency, for personal activism, and for empathy for each other in listening. It forces us to be with each other in different ways.”

On Friday, Feb. 9, Wild Up and Stanford students will perform some of Eastman’s most famous works, including Gay Guerilla, Buddha, and Joy Boy. The performance is part of Wild Up’s multi-year project to perform and record Eastman’s works.

Known for “organic music,” Eastman’s work challenges students to find their own interpretation and vision, Kretz says. “My aim is for this class and the performance at Stanford Live to serve as a catalyst for a deeper appreciation and exploration of Eastman’s legacy, such that it fosters a profound impact on the students’ academic and artistic journeys.”

Wild Up rehearsal at Bing Concert Hall. From right, Stanford students Terry Feng, Michael Carbonaro, and Praveen Sriram.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Stanford student Praveen Sriram listens to the conductor during a Wild Up rehearsal at Bing Concert Hall.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Seth Parker Woods, a cellist for the music ensemble Wild Up, and Stanford student Luna Valentin on bass.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Stanford student Robert Matthew Wood plays clarinet during a Wild Up rehearsal.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Christopher Rountree, founder, conductor, and creative director of the music ensemble Wild Up.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

From left, Sidney Hopson (Marimba), Seth Parker Woods (cello), and Luna Valentin (bass).
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Conductor Christopher Rountree leads the band through rehearsals at Bing Concert Hall.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Stanford students Terry Feng and Ruosong Gao.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

From right, Terry Feng, Robert Matthew Wood, and Praveen Sriram.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

Stanford student Terry Feng on violin during a Wild Up rehearsal.
Image credit: Andrew Brodhead

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On Saturday, Feb. 10, Wild Up will perform Eastman’s Femenine, a powerful and exuberant piece that looks back in time at controversial topics we are still dealing with today, such as gender identity, racism, and sexuality.

On Sunday, Feb. 11, the Stanford New Ensemble and guest artists Marisol Montalvo, soprano, and Seth Parker Woods, cello, will present Gay Guerilla: A Hands-On Experience of the Life, Music, and Legacy of Julius Eastman at Dinkelspiel Auditorium

Kretz says Wild Up’s residency, hosted by Stanford Live, is a great opportunity for the Stanford community to learn about Eastman and experience his avant-garde music up close. “Stanford Live has the invaluable ability to bring people across campus together to collaborate.”