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One of the four musicians plays in four helicopters. (STEFAN SIMONSEN/AFP/Getty Images)"Stunt" Pieces
Next week, 500 harpists will perform together in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, a new DVD features a string quartet by Stockhausen performed on four helicopters. These are but two examples of a long tradition of outrageous performances. Others that we explore today include a 200-electric-guitar composition and a performance on the Central Park boat pond by 24 musicians playing in rowboats. Also: Brendan Canning, from the indie-rock band Broken Social Scene, joins us for a live performance.
Music to the Extreme
Ever seen a marching band of 100 tubas? Or an orchestra made up of 200 electric guitarists and bassists? Frank J. Oteri, editor of web magazine NewMusicBox, and Frank Scheffer, director of the new DVD "Helicopter String Quartet," join us to talk about some of the most bizarre music performances ever attempted.
Special Feature: Music that's Outrageous, Odd, and downright Wacky
Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene
On his new solo album "Something For All Of Us," Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene steps out of the shadow of his 19-member group to show off his talent as a songwriter. But Canning doesn't completely forsake his band family; the album features performances from members of BSS and other indie groups like Metric and Stars. He plays for us live in our studio.
Brendan Canning performs at Mercury Lounge on Jul. 17 at 9:30pm. Broken Social Scene performs at the Siren Music Festival on Jul. 19 at 8pm.
Brendan Canning on MySpace
Broken Social Scene on MySpace
Siren Musical Festival website
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Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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