Classical Notes: May 30, 2008 Archive

And you may find yourself...

Posted at 10:51 AM on May 30, 2008 by Gillian Martin

...turning an abandoned ferry terminal into an enormous musical instrument.

If you're going to New York City this summer, stop by the Great Hall of the Battery Maritime Building at the end of Whitehall Street in Manhattan.

David Byrne, formerly of the band Talking Heads, has rigged the hall with solenoids, hammers, an out-of-tune pump organ and who knows what all and turned the building into an instrument:

When you get both hands busy on the keyboard -- as anyone who comes to see the work will be allowed to do -- the room roars and clatters to life, seeming to harbor an invisible band playing something written by Philip Glass in collaboration with the Stooges, a Japanese sho virtuoso and a kitchen full of 3-year-olds with pots and ladles.

This New York Times article tells you all about it, plus photos and video.

Mel Blanc Anniversary

Posted at 4:54 PM on May 30, 2008 by Rex Levang

Today is the 100th birthday of Mel Blanc, and it would be a shame not to acknowledge the man to helped introduce classical music to so many.

(And contrary to what some might think, a lot of classical aficionados love this stuff.....)