In this episode of American Highways, pianist Guy Livingston brings us music and machines: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by the mechanical aspects of music, and this episode gives me a chance to delve into player pianos and their music – from Gershwin to Nancarrow.’
Plus, music by (naturally) George Antheil, and John Adams, not to mention David Lang and Bang on a Can.
AMERICAN HIGHWAYS #30: Music and Machines
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 Gershwin
Novelette In Fourths
George Gershwin, pianola.
Electra Nonesuch – 7559-79287-2
David Lang
International Business Machine
Bang On A Can Ensemble.
Red Poppy sampler
John Adams
Century Rolls
1. 1st movt
2. Manny’s Gym
3. Hail Bop!
Cleveland Orchestra, olv Christoph von Dohnányi; Emmanuel Ax, piano.
Nonesuch 79607-2
Quatrain
Electricity Comes From Other Planets
Benn Ross, drums; Pete Johnston, bass; Christopher Elson, piano; Dustin Lindensmith, saxophone.
Reverse Records 001.2000
Conlon Nancarrow
Study no.11 for player piano
Automated player piano.
WERGO 60166/67-50
George Gershwin
Tip-Toes – Sweet & Low-Down
George Gershwin, pianola.
Electra Nonesuch – 7559-79287-2
George Antheil
Airplane Sonata
I Allegro
II Andante
Guy Livingston, piano.
WERGO 6649-2