David First

Composer David First has delved into microtonal systems and techniques of pitch bending across a range of instruments that include the Casio, the theremin, and his electric guitar. Reviewers have frequently noted parallels between his work and that of Alvin Lucier. During his Philadelphia upbringing, exposure to opera came through his grandmother, who had sung professionally in the form, while his father introduced him to just intonation and overdubbing methods. Although the guitar remains his chief instrument, First also employs synthesizer and EBO bass throughout his recorded output. Compositions by First appear on the 1991 O.O. Discs release Resolver, featuring Joseph Celli and the World Casio Quartet, as well as on The Good Book’s (Accurate) Jail of Escape Dust Coordinates from 1995, likewise issued by O.O. Discs. His pieces have drawn considerable notice and frequent performances in New York, in addition to presentations at Amsterdam’s De Ijbreker and Berlin’s Podewil. First has received an NEA grant supporting opera and music theater. The Joy Buzzers, his ensemble, have toured multiple countries, and in 1997 he joined Patricia Smith on a collaborative installation.