Ode To Gravity:
The Music of David Bates

Charles Amirkhanian introduces music by the late Fresno composer David Bates. A victim of cancer at the age of 38, Bates was for three years the guiding force behind the new electronic music studio at Fresno State University, and a most promising young composer who had just been awarded the prize of the American Academy of Rome. Critic Alan Skei of the Fresno Bee talks about Gates’ pieces heard on this program, including “Sueña for viola and piano”, “Till Then for piano and electronic tape”, an electronic piece “SST”, and the “Fantasy for Piano and Orchestra”. Our thanks to Mrs. Susan Bates, the composer’s widow, who also discusses Bates’ music and his influences, as well as performing as violist in “Sueña”, for her cooperation in this program. Produced in conjunction with KFCF Radio in Fresno, California (from KPFA Folio)