Alfred Giusto

Currently, I'm composing in equal temperament and occasionally use quarter tones, slides and bends to achieve any microtonal effects. I currently live in Maine and compose and perform in various projects ie: The Improvisational String Quintet, Meantone (Blues). Below is a brief bio.
I began studying 72ET with Joseph Maneri at New England Conservatory. This system of notation for 72 notes to an octave was designed by Ezra Simms to simulate Just Intonation. In 72ET you can tune your maj/min 3rds, maj/min 6ths, maj/min 7ths and tritones perfectly. I studied microtonal composition and harmony with Mr. Maneri and became a member of The Boston Microtonal Society. When I moved back to NYC area, I joined The American Festival Of Microtonal Music, under the direction of Johnny Reinhard, in NYC. From Johnny and the AFMM, I then learned about all the other various tunings and temperamnets that have existed throughout our rich musical history.

My music has been performed by The Bratislava Radio and TV Orchestra, The Flux Quartet, Anti Social Music Quartet, various performers from AFMM and yours truly. .

REVIEWS:

- “The Flux String Quartet performed two world premieres on the concert. their first was the one movement Fear by Al Giusto, which I thought was an excellent piece and an excellent performance, very well conjuring up different aspects of it’s title emotion. It was one of the highlights of the day for me."- Joe Monzo, Juxtaposition Ezine.

-”Finally, an encore appropriately entitled Fear led the audience back to the microtones.”-Bryan Patterson-Melbourne, Australia-Melbourne Festival, Iwaki Auditorium

-”It’s inoffensive, minimalist approach was soon erased from the memory with the encore- a work where the title said everything you needed to know-Fear.”-Johanna Selleck, Herald Sun Arts and Entertainment, Melbourne Australia-Melbourne Festival.

-”Al Giusto’s “Fear” (1996), progresses in a film score sort of way to panic.”-James R. Oestreich, NY Times Arts and Leisure, Miller Theater, Columbia University, NYC.

-”Flux (Quartet) also gave an encore of microtonalism, exploring the range of tones in single notes and phrases.”-Jonathan Marshall, INPRESS, ABC Centre, Australia.

-”Again your work (Creeping, Climbing, Twining) has been received enthusiastically and has been seen as a very original contribution to composing for flute orchestra.”- Jorge Caryevschi, Conductor The Netherlands Flute Orchestra.

-”Thank you very much for your interesting and flattering letter, and--above all-- for your striking composition.” (Peace Cow) Milton Babbitt, 1998 Private Letter.

-”Alfred Giusto’s Peace Cow uses microtones and serial technique and shows a particular talent for orchestral color.”-Richard Burke, Fanfare Nov./Dec. 1995.

-”Alfred Giusto’s Peace Cow is a kind of 12-tone rock and roll, with inventive orchestration and fairly dissonant harmony.”-American Record Guide, Jan./Feb. 1996.