First, the positive. . . 

 

Descriptions of Antheil’s musical technique suggest the same multi-layering of complex relationships. Analyzing Antheil’s Airplane Sonata, Linda Whitesitt describes his “manipulation of ostinato patterns and his technique of divorcing metric structures from melodic constructions”:

 

Here, he presents two interlocking but independent ostinato patterns a minor second apart that start together but gradually go “out of phase” because of the rests inserted in the left hand. The composer has created two entirely independent levels of activity. (Bad Boy, 89-90) 

 

The result is musical “metamorphoses [that] occur with the manifoldednessand speed of a kaleidoscope” (90), creating “a propulsive, forward driving energy” (91).  Consulting Ezra Pound’s treatise/manifesto on Antheil’s music, I half suspect Pound had a hand in bringing you and Antheil together.

More on Antheil

PITCHING THE PITUITARY

  Antheil, a self-proclaimed expert on glandular "science," brags about his acumen: “If the lady offers you some of her history, she will be telling you with every breath to exactly what glandular type she belongs.”"Hedy Wants You to Pitch Her the Pituitary"...

GLANDMASTER FLASH

Every Man His Own Detective          --George Antheil "X marks the gland where the criminal is found." Glandbook for the Questing Man  -- George Antheil Reducing a laboratory science to a sidewalk sport for a grading of the passing female from A to D “More fun than...

GLAND TYPECASTING

Gland Kit Line-Up Number One Far  away a piece of gaily printed silk will be gradually taking the form of a girl. . . Postpituitary ‘the maternal instinct” Here comes Number 2. She’s really  handsome. Heavy bushy hair.  Sporty mannish hair. Aggressive walk. Will...
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