Good Programs: DJ Shadow and Frank Zappa in Alabama

The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is presenting some really cool concerts as part of their Symphony 7: The Classical Edge series, a series that "crosses the boundaries of classical and forges into jazz and rock genres." Starting at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., the Symphony 7 concerts are shorter than subscription concerts and feature pre- and post-concert gatherings.

The first program I dig is conducted by Michael Morgan.

• Adams - Lollapalooza
• De Ritis - Devolution: a Concerto for DJ and Symphony Orchestra

The driving pulse, energy, and rhythmic sophistication and sleights-of-hand that drive the short Adams opener are also the hallmarks of any DJ worth his salt, so it's an ideal setup for the De Ritis, which in turn references works by Beethoven and Ravel.  Here's how it works (from the program notes).

The DJ’s “part” consists of a series of cues directing the DJ when to enter and exit, general indications of dynamics, and a short series of instructions concerning mood and texture using words such as “ambient”, “beat-driven”, “atmospheric”, “trip hop” or “chaotic.” For the source material of his real-time remixes, DJ Spooky will be using samples (small digital audio files) of musical ideas that I have created for Devolution, as well as some samples of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony and Ravel’s Bolero. In addition, DJ Spooky is free to use additional source material as he sees fit. 

Your can read the full program note, listen to audio clips, and download a PDF of the full score here. Another cool program features the music of Frank Zappa, Edgar Varese, who was one of FZ's compositional heroes, and Paul Lansky, who is currently in residence with the ASO.  The concert features So Percussion and is curated by Lansky.

• Lansky - Ride
• Varese - Ionisation
• Lansky - Threads
• Lansky - Pattern's Patterns
• Varese - Hyperprisim
• Zappa - Bebop Tango
• Zappa - G-Spot Tornado

That's a pretty serious program.  I don't know Lansky's music that well, but the few pieces I've heard, including Threads, contrasts nicely with the bracing textures, rhythms, and sonorities of the other two composers.  I also feel that placing Varese and Zappa on the same program works because it highlights both their similarities and their differences.  The more you listen to Zappa's concert music the more you realize (as many do, but those who are only familiar with his rock persona might not) that he was completely serious about these compositions.  He was not simply aping the characteristics of European Modernism, nor did he ignore his rock music, but managed to combine the two in a completely original way.

Kudos for Justin Brown for creating such an open, exciting atmosphere in Alabama.