INDIANAPOLIS —
Butler University music professor Richard Auldon Clark has just released two new CDs, including one featuring the last recording author Kurt Vonnegut made before he died.
Mother Night/Breakfast of Champions showcases Vonnegut speaking (and in one instance singing) passages from those two books, accompanied by musicians from the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, the New York-based group Clark founded. “Trail of Tears” showcases performances by Clark and the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra.
Both discs were released in June on Clark’s label, Keuka Classical. They’re available through iTunes, Amazon.com and CD Baby.
Clark and Vonnegut became friends 15 years ago and collaborated on five CD projects. For this final one, recorded in the months before Vonnegut’s death in 2007, the author read selections from the books before composer Howard Cass finished the music.
“Shortly after, Kurt died,” Clark said. “We performed the piece many, many more times, finally found the right combination of musicians that we’re really thrilled with, and got them into the recording studio.”
“Trail of Tears” also has a Vonnegut connection: It was inspired by historian Howard Zinn’s book “A People’s History of the United States.” Vonnegut introduced Clark to Zinn.
“I was reading his book and was enraged that the ‘Trail of Tears’ ” — the forced relocation of Native Americans in the 1830s — “was never taught in our school,” Clark said. “I was reading a lot of history that I had never learned.”
Clark, a Binghamton, N.Y., native who’s going into his 10th year teaching at Butler, wrote the piece “Trail of Tears” in 2007 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Manhattan Chamber Orchestra. Over the next four years, he composed the other selections on the CD.
The music, while classically based, also contains elements of many styles of music and a variety of both acoustic and electric sounds. Clark said he’s practicing what he preaches to his students: Musicians today must be versatile and willing to experiment.
“It’s the 21st century musician being not just the artist, but the creator of the whole content: the collaboration with people outside your field — like Kurt Vonnegut, like Howard Zinn — the use of literature in music, and also the influence of the different styles of music,” he said. “For me, it’s the essence of the work I do. This is the ultimate creativity.”
That thought process should also extend to how a musician does business, Clark said. After recording close to 50 records over the past 20 years for large and small record labels, he decided the time was right to start his own company. Keuka Classical, named for a lake in New York state where Clark performs annual summer concerts. The label allows him the freedom to publish, record and own the rights to his projects.
Clark said the idea came from renowned composer Philip Glass, whom he has worked with on film scores.
“He emphasized self-publishing, because then you always have control of your material,” Clark said. “It’s always in the condition you want it, and you’re responsible for it. We’re the ones who get the funding and the grants. We’re the ones who pay the musicians and do all the work. It’s all our creative work. Why should we just turn it over to some company that takes 90 percent?
“It was a good learning experience to record for those labels,” he added. “A lot of fun, don’t regret it a bit, never do it again.”
Entertainment
Butler prof’s new CDs include last Vonnegut recordings
- Entertainment
-
-
Banks of the Wabash Festival kicks off
The 2013 Banks of the Wabash Festival, scheduled May 23 through June 1 in Fairbanks Park, celebrates 40 years along the banks of the Wabash River, 30 under the sponsorship of the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department.
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
LAS VEGAS — Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
Rapper Drake leads BET Awards with 12 nominations
NEW YORK — He started from the bottom, but now he’s on top at the BET Awards: Drake has 12 nominations. BET announced the nominees Tuesday. Rappers Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz are up for eight awards each.
-
IHS announces lineup for Concerts on the Canal, reprise of 'Museum Nights on the Canal'
INDIANAPOLIS —There are plenty of ways to enjoy downtown Indianapolis in the summer, and the Indiana Historical Society is offering two — both time-honored favorite Concerts on the Canal and its Museum Nights on the Canal program.
-
Work stalls on rebuilding Little Nashville Opry
NASHVILLE, Ind. — No construction has started at a southern Indiana concert hall destroyed in a 2009 fire even though a sign there suggests a 2013 reopening.
-
George Jones, 81, dies today in Nashville
Nashville, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died today, April 26, 2013, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.
-
Scenes from Robin Hood adaptation, “The Untold Story of Little John” April 21 at Children’s Museum
We all know the story of Robin Hood, the man who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor and defeated the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, freeing his people from the tyrannical reign of Prince John. We also know how this could not have been accomplished without Little John, Robin Hood’s loyal side-kick who stayed by him through thick and thin. But do we know what happened next?
-
REVIEW: ‘42’ movie hits home run
Unlike Jackie Robinson’s daring base-running style, the new film “42” takes few risks with the storyline of his life’s pivotal moment.
-
Terre Haute native Corenflos wins ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. When the greats are ready to record a single or a CD in Nashville, Corenflos’ phone usually rings first. He’s one of Music City’s most well-regarded session guitarists. -
Annette Funicello, Mouseketeer and film star, dies
NEW YORK — Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on “The Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon in a string of ‘60s fun-in-the-sun movies with titles like “Beach Blanket Bingo” and “Bikini Beach,” died today. She was 70.
-
Terre Haute's J.T. Corenflos named ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. -
Tickets to ISU’s presentation of Spoon River Anthology go on sale April 8
The Indiana State University theater department will present “Spoon River Anthology” April 10-13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. each day in the Dreiser Hall Theater.
-
Laser and light to accompany Pink Floyd music at April 20 show
Paramount’s LaserSpectacular, the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd, will come to the Effingham Performance Center at 8 p.m. on April 20.
-
Comic bringing 26 pets to Effingham for show
Gregory Popovich and his Comedy Pet Theater is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on April 12 at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham, Ill.
-
Willie Nelson & Family to play IU Auditorium on April 6
New Covenant Productions will present “An Evening with Willie Nelson and Family” live in concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington.
-
Cellist to perform March 29 at Coffee Grounds
Shannon Hayden, a Yale School of Music graduate, will perform her own compositions for amplified cello at 8 p.m. March 29 in the Coffee Grounds at 423 Wabash Ave.
-
Weather forces postponement of Maya Angelou lecture
Due to the weather, Dr. Maya Angelou’s lecture scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, in Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, has been postponed.
-
'Quartet' at Honey Creek West 8 March 1
The comedy/drama “Quartet” opens March 1 in Honey Creek West 8 behind Honey Creek Mall in Terre Haute. Shows are at 7:40 and 10:05 p.m.
-
Affleck’s ‘Argo’ wins best-picture Oscar
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ben Affleck’s “Argo,” a film about a fake movie, has earned a very real prize: best picture at the Academy Awards.
From the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Jack Nicholson to help present the final prize. -
Singer-songwriter, Hutsonville native to perform in home county
After the January release of her new single, “I’m Not Gonna Let You,” Nashville singer-songwriter Roxie Randle will perform Feb. 7 in the Illinois county where she grew up.
-
At Home on Stage: Upcoming concert brings Grammy-nominated band and singer-guitarist back to Terre Haute
A club in New York City or the front room of the Eldredges’ house near West Terre Haute. The setting never fazed Terry Eldredge, even as a teenager. He could play music anywhere, bold and confident.
-
Mid-West Archery, Whitetail Deer Expo Jan. 12
Wintertime blues getting you down? Hunting season over, lose that cabin fever and come visit us at the Mid-West Archery and Whitetail Deer Expo. Vendors will have on display quality hand made crafts, ATVs, new trucks, log cabin, taxidermy and many other must see vendors.
-
Children’s Choir auditions begin Jan. 9
The Terre Haute Children’s Choir will stage auditions from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Jan. 12 in Room 161 of the Landini Center for the Performing and Fine Arts on the Indiana State University campus.
-
‘The Wabash’ varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling
In 13 cuts, an album simply titled “The Wabash” varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling as much as does the river itself.
-
Rapper Common to deliver lecture at Butler in January
Rapper/actor Common will speak about “Lessons of Life: One Day It’ll All Make Sense” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Clowes Memorial Hall, part of the 25th anniversary of Butler University’s Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series.
-
Battle of Bulge Exhibit features artifacts, lectures
The Museum of 20th Century Warfare and the staff at Fort Harrison State Park will host the Battle of the Bulge Exhibit through Jan. 26 at Fort Harrison State Park.
-
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family at Indiana State Museum
As the time ticks toward bedtime on New Year’s Eve and little eyes begin to droop, how do you fill the hours before midnight with entertainment for children? The Indiana State Museum makes New Year’s Eve easy for families to celebrate together.
-
Good Feelings Band to perform under new name on New Year’s Eve
After a couple of decades or more of performing, Good Feelings has decided to change its name to reflect a more modern sound. The result is The Band Tichenor-Jeffries.
-
Classic biblical epic on stage in Carmel
This holiday season, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel will celebrate the return of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through Jan. 5.
-
Party kicks off New Year at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Looking for a killer night out for New Year’s Eve? Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents a special performance of “Arsenic & Old Lace,” complete with party favors and more.
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Oklahoma Family Reflects on Lost Son
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Today in History May 23
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
