Phill Niblock

American composer and film maker Phill Niblock was born in Anderson, Indiana on 2 October 1933, studied economics and initially worked as a photographer and film maker.

He came late to the music world, with no formal musical training, and his first compositions date from 1968. His first works were made using tape, overdubbing the sounds of long tones played on traditional instruments. Later he created denser works, created using computer technology. His music is characterised by monumental continuous sound.

From 1968 he was a member of the Experimental Intermedia Foundation in New York, and from 1985 he was the organisation's director.

Phill Niblock died in New York City on 8 January 2024, aged ninety.

 

A selection of articles about Phill Niblock

Classical music news - January 2024 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Record box. Psychological borderlands - Keith Bramich encounters the music of Phill Niblock, Philip Corner and Richard Lainhart