Music for 16 Futurist Noise Intoners (Performa 09) @ Town Hall, NYC - 091112

After an incredibly challenging process and satisfying TILT Brass show on the previous evening, I was very excited to witness the inspired resurrection of the Italian Futurist Luigi Russolo's Intonarumori (Noise Intoners) instruments at Town Hall. 13 composers were (enviably) asked to compose new works for the 16-piece Intonarumori, several of whom are close colleagues including Joan La Barbara, Jenny Walshe (w/ Tony Conrad), James Fei, Elliott Sharp, and Nick Hallett. The Magik*Magik Orchestra traveled from the Bay Area to offer their totally committed, engaging performance of these works, all under the steadfast and cheerful guidance of conductor (and composer of one of the evenings most compelling scores) Luciano Chessa. As I told some friends and Maestro Chessa himself, this was a capital "I" important event on the New York calendar. Beyond the sublime answer to the curiosity around what these infamous things sound like, the evenings importance was supported by the shear number of NYC musical avant garde Illuminati in attendance. It was quite a hang next door afterward!

I have one complaint that had nothing to do with the performance itself, but made me very uncharacteristically angry. First, a heartfelt thanks to Performa for having the will and follow through to make this show happen. Many local presenters should take serious note of your boldness in this regard. However, it was a major oversight to not list the members of the Magik*Magik Orchestra in either the printed program or on the event page of their website. This is totally unacceptable! These people poured their spirit and musicality into this music and the absolute least that should be done is recognize them in print. Obviously, my perspective on this skews toward the performing musicians, but regardless of your station in the hierarchy of presenting this event, failing to give them proper credit is shameful and tone deaf to the musical art form.

...and I really love what you are doing Performa!