Diamanda Galás

Diamanda Galas at Thalia Hall, Chicago

Diamanda Galás (born August 29, 1955) is an American avant-garde composer, vocalist, pianist, and performance artist. She is known for her distinctive voice, which spans over three and a half octaves, and her theatrical performances that often address themes of suffering, despair, and social injustice.

Early Life

Diamanda Galás was born in San Diego, California, to Greek Orthodox parents. Her father, James Galás, was a gospel choir director and her mother, Diamantina, was a painter. Galás began playing the piano at a young age and was classically trained. She studied a variety of musical styles, including jazz, blues, and classical music.

Career

Galás's career began in the late 1970s when she moved to New York City and became involved in the city's avant-garde music scene. She gained attention for her powerful voice and her ability to convey intense emotion through her music.

Early Works

Her early works include the album The Litanies of Satan (1982), which was based on the writings of Charles Baudelaire. This album showcased her unique vocal techniques and her ability to create a haunting atmosphere.

Plague Mass

One of her most notable works is Plague Mass (1991), a live performance piece that addresses the AIDS epidemic. The piece is a powerful condemnation of the Catholic Church's response to the crisis and is considered one of her most important works.

Later Works

In the 2000s, Galás continued to produce music and perform. Her later works include Defixiones, Will and Testament (2003), which addresses the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides, and Guilty Guilty Guilty (2008), an album of tragic love songs.

Musical Style

Galás's music is characterized by its intensity and emotional depth. She often uses extended vocal techniques, including screams, whispers, and other non-traditional sounds. Her music incorporates elements of blues, jazz, classical music, and avant-garde.

Activism

Galás is also known for her activism, particularly in relation to the AIDS epidemic and human rights issues. She has used her music and performances to raise awareness and advocate for marginalized communities.

Discography

• The Litanies of Satan (1982)
• Diamanda Galás (1984)
• Saint of the Pit (1986)
• You Must Be Certain of the Devil (1988)
• Plague Mass (1991)
• The Singer (1992)
• Vena Cava (1993)
• Schrei X (1996)
• Malediction and Prayer (1998)
• Defixiones, Will and Testament (2003)
• Guilty Guilty Guilty (2008)
• All the Way (2017)

See Also

• Avant-garde music
• Performance art
• AIDS activism
• Extended vocal technique