Browsing 30 - 40 results of 95 programs for category - Popular Culture
This presentation, originally recorded in 1992, is a meditation on a lifetime dedicated to music. The renowned Hindustani classical music master Ali Akbar Khan recounts the earliest days of his musical study with his father (including his 18-hour practice days); how he chose to play and master his instrument, the sarod (maybe it chose him); and how music can be a healing force. He plays the instrument and explains how it works and how it’s different from the more well-known sitar. Khan also discusses the founding of his music school in San Rafael, California, a manifestation of his philosophy that knowledge of music should be shared with others.
Project: Speaking of Music Rewind | Browse All
Date: June 18, 2010
Format: Demonstration / Activity
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art This After Dark event examined time's many faces through activities and presentations featuring honeybees, jump-shot photography, antique timepieces, and a performance by Gamelan Sari Raras.
Project: After Dark | Browse All
Date: June 10, 2010
Format: Event
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art, General Science John Cage was one of the most influential composers in modern American music. He raised fundamental questions about the nature of music, and invigorated, provoked, and perplexed audiences throughout his long career. In this lecture from 1987, excerpts of his work are played and discussed. Afterwards, Cage takes questions and shares his thoughts on subjects ranging from the origins of his impulse to make music-"Many composers hear music before they write it, but I write music in order to hear it"-to using chance to create without ego or intention. He asks why we should listen to music instead of just listening to the sounds around us, and answers: "There's no reason."
Project: Speaking of Music Rewind | Browse All
Date: May 20, 2010
Format: Interview
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art Composer and performer Pauline Oliveros has been a pioneering figure in American music for over four decades. In this intimate talk recorded at the Exploratorium on February 21, 1985, Oliveros discusses her decision to quit teaching and flee to Italy with her accordion, her appreciation of the Grateful Dead's concert sound system, and the perils of the squeezebox. She also takes audience questions and performs "Rattlesnake Mountain" live.
Project: Speaking of Music Rewind | Browse All
Date: April 16, 2010
Format: Lecture
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art In this extensive talk from 1985, prolific American composer, musician, and self-proclaimed 'student' Anthony Braxton discusses many elements of his musical work. Because Braxton sees his musical output as part of larger constellations of culture, politics, and spirituality, his talk is huge in scope, and his language sometimes dizzies while it dazzles. He discusses his personal rejection of music for entertainment, and considers instead what music might do to further universal values. He also takes audience questions and plays excerpts of some of his recordings. This talk will amuse, awe, challenge, and inspire interested parties old and new.
Project: Speaking of Music Rewind | Browse All
Date: March 18, 2010
Format: Lecture
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Music A highlight of this After Dark evening was Thee Oh Sees, one of the Bay Area’s best underground bands, who created a playful aural disorientation while playing in front of “visual music” by the late experimental filmmaker and musicologist Harry Smith.
Project: After Dark | Browse All
Date: March 4, 2010
Format: Event
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art In this gem from 1990, we get a brief peek into the flourishing mind of German-born composer/sculptor Trimpin, a MacArthur "genius" award winner and the subject of a recent feature documentary. He chronicles his unique adventures through sound and music making, takes audience questions, and stages modified versions of his musical installations in front of the live audience.
Project: Speaking of Music Rewind | Browse All
Date: February 19, 2010
Format: Interview
Category: Popular Culture
Subject(s): Art
