Special Midweek Podcast: “Sweet Driving Rhythm” (originally aired on Oct. 10, 2008)

New music from the concert hall now reflects the driving rhythms of rock and jazz. For this New Sounds Special podcast, we'll hear some examples, including selections from Oscar Bettison's "O Death," and the European classic, "De Staat" by Louis Andriessen. Oscar Bettison, a composer and instrument-maker writes for both rock ensemble and the concert hall, as well as his own instrument creations (dubbed cinderella instruments) and electro-acoustic elements. In his work, “O Death,” he calls for a Wrench-ophone (12 differently-sized metal wrenches arranged like a keyboard), flower pots, metal mixing bowls, anvils, and electric guitar, with distortion pedal. We’ll hear “O Death,” on this edition of the program. Also, music from his teacher, Louis Andriessen, with his loud and aggressive “De Staat,” which suggests clangorous Balinese gamelan, jazz, minimalism, and Stravinsky while kicking it all into overdrive.