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Have orchestras too often ignored the sense of fun in the concert experience? Henry Fogel, president of the American Symphony Orchestra League, believes so. As he tells us today, “light classics”—colorful, playful showpieces by composers like Rossini or Chabrier—were once a regular part of orchestra programs but now they've virtually disappeared. As a result, the concert hall has become an all-too-somber place. One notable exception to this rule, however, is the composer and guitarist Steven Mackey, who has written pieces for electric guitar and orchestra that he characterizes as "weird but with a sense of humor, bright, colorful but slightly twisted.” New World Records has just released "Heavy Light," a disc which features Mackey on electric guitar along with flute, cello, piano and percussion. He drops by to share some highlights.
Additional Resources:
» For Pleasure’s Sake by Henry Fogel
» Steven Mackey’s Web site