Edmund Niemann and Nurit Tilles formed Double Edge in 1978, and made their New York debut at Town Hall in 1987. In 1991, Kyle Gann of The Village Voice called Double Edge "one of the century's best piano duos...Their sonority is big, their ensemble perfect, their repertoire wild."
American appearances by Double Edge have included New Sounds Live, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, Bang On A Can, Walker Art Center, Los Angeles County Museum, a New York State New Music Network Tour, and frequent returns to Town Hall. Guest artist appearances include Richmond Symphony under George Manahan, Concordia Chamber Symphony under Marin Alsop, and Crosstown Ensemble under Eric Grunin.
Following their London debut at Queen Elizabeth Hall 1n 1990, Double Edge gave a Contemporary Music Network Tour under the auspices of the Arts Council of Great Britain. Their 1993 tour of Australia, including Sydney Opera House, was sponsored by Musica Viva Australia. Other tours abroad have taken Double Edge to Holland, Belgium, German, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Bulgaria, Canada, and New Zealand.
New works have been written for Double Edge by John Cage, Meredith Monk, Kevin Volans, "Blue" Gene Tyranny, David Lang, David Borden and Guy Klucevsek. They have also given first performances of pieces by Paul Dresher, Mel Powell, James Tenney, Kitty Brazelton, and many other composers.
Their recordings include Visions de l'Amen by Olivier Messiaen (New Albion 1992) and a disc of new American works, U.S. Choice (CRI 1993). They have also recorded for Nonesuch, Lovely Music and New World. Double Edge has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, The Cary Trust, and the Fund for U.S. Artists at International Festivals.
Edward Niemann is a long-time member of Steve Reich & Musicians and a founding member of Parnassus. He has been a guest artist with Speculum Musicae, New York New Music Ensemble, New Music Consort, Da Capo Players, and The Mother Mallard Band. The New York Times said of his solo debut, "throughout the evening his playing was technically dazzling, his musicality unquestionable." He is on the faculty of Sarah Lawrence College.
Nurit Tilles has been described by the Village Voice as "one of new music's most valuable pianists." She has performed with Steve Reich & Musicians since 1975, was a member of The Mother Mallard Band, and has enjoyed a long association with Meredith Monk. Nurit's recordings of modern piano rags was produced by Rudi Blesh. Her own pieces include Raw Silk (A Rag) and The Kitchen Table. Lately she has been performing with Brenda Cummings as the vaudeville team, North and Stepinski.
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