Posts about Wordless Music Series
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Download “You Could Be“ | Canada’s instrumental three-piece Torngat is returning to New York on April 2nd for a Wordless show at Le Poisson Rouge with the International Contemporary Ensemble. I was really taken with them when they opened for Múm’s Wordless show at St. Apostle Church in the fall of 2007. I was disappointed with the choices Múm made for their set list in response to the gorgeous venue–they thought it would suit to be pallid and ghastly–but Torngat did something that chilled me completely, and I was to remain impressed with them forever for having done such a perfect thing in response to where they were…
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At least as far as performances go, there seems to be a difference of principle between classical and popular music. While in classical tradition the works are subjects of scholarly devotion, precision and admiration, popular music thrives in creating an atmosphere where its audience can participate in celebration and festivity, or even grief and loss. Often, the intention of popular music and its understanding of the human spirit supersedes its genius, whereas the music in classical tradition is so sacred that it feels like the people who listen to it are secondary to it by far. We can be reminded, of course, that there are several bands today that blur the difference of traditions, which makes the concept of Wordless Music Series appropriate (and sure, Sufjan’s mini-orchestra flies in a Town Hall setting).
Continued, and photos, after the jump.
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One more Books video from the Wordless Music performance at New York Society Ethical Culture.
“Smells Like Content”
[vimeo 181554]
Previously:
Download Beirut’s KEXP SXSW session (from NPR)
(Pictured: Iceland’s Múm)
Yes, in other Wordless Music news, I am psyched for its second season that begins in September. Beirut will play three nights, though dates are yet to be confirmed- or if they have been, they haven’t been announced yet. The season will also feature Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead in addition to Múm, Do Make Say Think, Max Richter, Bing & Ruth, Valgeir Sigurdsson, Nico Muhly, etc.
Nick Zammuto and Paul de Jong
The Books played at New York Society of Ethical Culture as part of the Wordless Music Series. The set was similar to the one at Webster Hall (read my review), with the noteworthy exception of a new song. In “8 Frames,” the 8-beat or 4-beat loops in the video that accompanies it serve as the rhythm.
“That Right Ain’t Shit”
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(More photos and videos after the jump)
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