In this episode of American Highways, pianist Guy Livingston brings us…Ghosts, Poltergeists, Banshees, and Apparitions. Our show opens with music from George Antheil’s horror film, Dementia.
Entirely wordless, this title sequence features terrifying wailing by virtuoso singer Marni Nixon, and even more surreal ragtime piano. That’s over soon, and we segue to the friendly ghosts of William Bolcom, the wiry (pun intended) banshee of Henry Cowell, and the Whitman-inspired apparitions of George Crumb. New and contemporary music for Halloween!
- This is a 1965 Pontiac Banshee radio!
Episode 29 of American Highways Playlist:
Theme Music :
Steve Reich. The Desert Music (1984)
First Movement (Fast).
Chorus of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Members of the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Michael Tilson Thomas & William Carlos Williams.
Nonesuch Records 79101.
George Antheil
Dementia – title sequence
Marni Nixon, vocals.
Kino Video. Originally released 1955.
William Bolcom
Ghost Rags:
I. Poltergeist
II. Graceful Ghost
Ying Quartet
Quartz CD
Harold Arlen
That Old Black Magic
Ella Fitzgerald
CDC Home Entertainment 20057-2
Henry Cowell
Banshee
Sorrel Doris Hays, pianist.
Town Hall Records 1997
William Bolcom
Poltergeist
John Murphy, pianist
Albany Records 2006
William Bolcom
The Graceful Ghost Rag
Lewin-Muresanu Duo
Centaur Records 2910
George Crumb
Apparition
Jan De Gaetani, mezzo-soprano; Gilbert Kalish, amplified piano.
Bridge Records 9028