The Manhattan Book of the Dead

A Ritual Opera

1995 · 105 min · Music

The Manhattan Book of the Dead was my response to the ongoing AIDS crisis that was plaguing NYC (and elsewhere in the late 80s-mid 90s). I just felt like I needed to do something more concrete than merely going about my business. Putting my own particular talents to use seemed like a good way to go about it, and it was cathartic for me as well. It explored many sides of my musical personality—including the first “songs” I’d written in many years. But it also had some of the most advanced just intonation drone pieces and corresponding rhythmic structures I’d ever done. Also, the root/fifth drones heard throughout much of it was two ebows on the piano—I believe the first time that had been done..

Directed by Ching Valdes-Aran · Written by David First