David Borden

by Jim Dorsch An innovator in electronic and minimalist music since the 1970s, David Borden made his mark as the leader of Mother Mallard, the world's first all-synthesizer ensemble. In the period 1973-1976, Mother Mallard released two albums, Mother Mallard's Portable Masterpiece Company and Like a Duck to Water. After Mother Mallard disbanded in the late 1970s, Borden developed his compositional skills, releasing Music for Amplified Keyboard Instruments in 1981. Mother Mallard regrouped and recorded Anatidae for Cuneiform in 1986. Migration (1988) added jazz improvisation to the mix. Between 1976 and 1987 Borden composed The Continuing Story of Counterpoint, a 12-part work released on three CDs. Combining electronics, classical concepts, strict counterpoint and musical density, this groundbreaking work is entertaining and pleasing to the ear. Borden released Cayuga Night Music, a more introspective work, on the Linden Music label. Places, Times & People (Cuneiform) consists mostly of solo keyboard works.