"Ballet Mécanique" performed by robots - Wash D.C

[roymond]

I've read about these guys before and this sounds awesome:

LEMUR is currently engaged in its largest fabrication project to-date, creating custom robotics for George Antheil's "Ballet mécanique," which will be performed from March 12 to 29, 2006 at the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.

I wish I was going to be around. I'd love to check this out.

[frankie big face]

Thanks for the tip. I always miss this stuff.

[HeuristicsInc]

This is cool. I sent the link to my wife but I don't think she's excited about it
I did manage to find a sample of a recording of the thing and it sounds very cool. Avant-garde, definitely... Wonder if I can get down there.
-bill

[roymond]

George Antheil is a bit of a self-made mythical music genius (from Trenton, NJ!). Regarded as a virtuoso pianist, he toured in the early 20th century playing the day's avant garde, and either gained or awarded himself the title "bad boy of music" (for carry a gun in a silk underarm holster, among other characteristics), which is the title of an engaging book about his exploits. Eventually he "sold out" to Hollywood, whatever that means, but this is a pretty awesome piece when presented well.