Glenn Branca (1948-2018) was an avant-garde composer and guitarist known for his experimental and innovative approach to the electric guitar. Branca's work explored the intersections of noise, alternative rock, and contemporary classical music, often resulting in spellbinding symphonies for electric guitars. Prior to embarking on his heralded compositional pursuits, Branca played in various New York-based experimental rock bands in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as Theoretical Girls, which were part of the city's burgeoning No Wave scene.

His penchant for creating intricate guitar orchestrations led him to compose a series of groundbreaking symphonies, some featuring ensembles with dozens of guitarists, generating complex sonic textures and resonances. Branca's influential body of work includes "The Third Ascension" and "Symphony No. 13 (Hallucination City) for 100 Guitars," which underscores his ability to create a sonic architecture that is as much about the physical space the music occupies as the notes played. Drawing upon dissonance and harmonic overtones, Branca's work can be seen as an exploration of the very limits of the electric guitar's capabilities. His compositions have left a lasting impact on the fields of noise rock, experimental music, and the larger sphere of minimalistic composition. His influence can be heard in the work of subsequent generations of musicians and composers who continue to push the boundaries of music using unconventional methods.

Genres

Experimental

Experimental Guitar

Experimental Rock

Minimalism

No Wave

Noise Rock

Post-punk

Totalism

Xenharmonic

Latest Release

The Third Ascension

Glenn Branca

Ep - 6 Tracks - Released October 4, 2019