Tom Johnson, Village Voice Critic of New York's Downtown Avant-Garde, Dead at 85
Briefly

Tom Johnson, the minimalist composer who documented the avant-garde music scene in New York, passed away from a stroke, leaving a significant impact on contemporary music.
Known as Saint Tom among composers, Johnson's work integrated influences from ancient philosophies and contemporary minimalism, reflecting a unique perspective that changed the landscape of modern music.
Johnson's writings for the Village Voice were pivotal in defining the 'American minimalist' school, showcasing his ability to elevate the genre through insightful critiques and celebrations of fellow musicians.
His compositions, like 'The Four Note Opera,' challenged conventional musical narratives, engaging performers and audiences in innovative explorations of sound and the essence of music itself.
Read at Pitchfork
[
|
]