I have a feeling this is going to be very, very cool. Experimental composer Rhys Chatham will be at the Damrosch Park Bandshell at the Lincoln Center this Saturday, August 8, for the U.S. premiere of “A Crimson Grail,” his piece for 200 guitars and 16 basses. The show starts at 7:30 PM and is free to the public. I’ll be there with my white shirt and new amp. 216 electric guitars and basses, people! You need to hear this!
Chatham tried to perform this piece last year, but it was rained out. This year they will have a tent and better electrical infrastructure. “A Crimson Grail” has only been performed one other time, in 2005, a 400-guitar version at the Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris. The piece that will be played Saturday has been reduced in size and revised for outdoor acoustics.
Here is a link to the New York Times article about the performance: “What is the Sound of 200 Guitars Wailing?”
Here is more information from the Lincoln Center’s web site: Lincoln Center Out of Doors – August 8
That’s amazing, have a great time!
does it goes to eleven?
Will David Yow be jumping from the stage?
does he have all the 16 bass players?
juanito: Yeah, dude. Sorry.
I’m glad you’re a part of this! It was fun last year, and is exponentially more fun this year.
How was it? Seems like a once in a lifetime experience.
juanito: It was amazing.