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Spinning On Air

Sunday, October 28, 2007
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  • photo: David Garland

    Sufjan Stevens and his Orchestra ride the BQE

    Songwriter Sufjan Stevens has always shown a fascination with orchestral color and sound in his recordings, and his popular albums of songs usually include some purely instrumental pieces. Now he brings an orchestra of eleven players (including Sufjan himself) into the WNYC Studio for a live performance of pieces from his new instrumental composition “The BQE.” Sufjan talks with host David Garland about the music and the ideas behind it, which include the story of the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, the consequences of urban planning, and hula hoops. This music, scheduled for sold-out performances November 1 - 3 in BAM’s Next Wave Festival, receives its premier on Spinning On Air!

    View photos from the session

    About The BQE at The Brooklyn Academy of Music

    About Sufjan Stevens at Asthmatic Kitty Records

    If you can't see the video click here

Comments

  • [1] andrew from austin October 31, 2007 - 02:07AM

    its definitely different. however, i enjoy it greatly. it makes the listener pay attention to sufjan as a composer and not simply a song writer.
  • [2] momos from Harlem, New York City November 01, 2007 - 12:49AM

    I swear I hear influences of NPR's "Morning Edition" theme song.
  • [3] Jen from Queens, NY November 02, 2007 - 10:50PM

    I was lucky to attend the concert last night, and it was absolutely amazing. He's such a talented artist, the entire thing was beautifully done. I feel like I need to get off my butt and go buy a guitar or a hula hoop or something!
  • [4] Augie from BK November 03, 2007 - 01:59PM

    scalp some tickets tonight! went last night, it was one of my favorite concerts ever -- a the stimuli worked so well together and great to have the hits played in the 2nd half with orchestra accompanying.
  • [5] Daniel E. Friedman from www.musicmasterstudios.com/inspirationalorchestralmusic.html November 04, 2007 - 09:14AM

    Unity through rhythm! Some good stuff here. I like the fact that the texture never gets too thick. Nice woodwinds.
  • [6] Chris Dooks from Glasgow, Scotland December 03, 2007 - 09:19AM

    I've been following his work for years and am really enjoying his orchestral vibe. He did a superb gig here at a venue called Oran Mor with cheerleaders and the like. Nice interviews too. Cheers guys! Chris Dooks www.dooks.org

This thread is closed.