A couple of strange things have crossed my computer screen this week and I would really love to get your opinion about them.
Earlier this week a friend emailed me an article about a robot conducting an orchestra. Okay, hold the jokes about conductors for a second. Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot will take command of the baton in Detroit on May 13 and will conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performs Impossible Dream to open a concert performance featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
I think we can all agree that robots are unlikely to replace humans on the podium anytime soon. What’s interesting about this is that Honda is a major donor to DSO, and one gets the feeling that putting ASIMO on the podium might somehow be tied to the sponsorship. I’m all for acknowledging the wonderful corporate partners who support our work, but does this go too far?
Another item that caught my eye was from the League of American Orchestra’s newsletter. Apparently classical composers and folk musicians are collaborating on creating new music for orchestras. Not exactly a new idea given the use of folk music themes throughout classical music history, but up until recently, using folk influences was considered déclassé. How do you feel about this renewed interest in vernacular music?
Finally, speaking of traditional music, the Chicago Sinfonietta will be presenting the world premiere of Three Songs for Blues Singer and Orchestra created by composer/arranger Larry Hoffman on May 11th and 12th featuring Muddy Water’s long-time guitarist, John Primer. We are pleased to offer registered users of this site a “hot deal” to attend this concert that will also feature pianist Leon Bates performing Rhapsody in Blue and Pictures at an Exhibition performed with a never-before-seen video created by astronomer and video artist José Francisco Salgado.
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Guest (not verified) | Tue, 04/29/2008 - 2:41pm
I think the whole robot thing is hilarious.
Obviously a robot can't mimic human musical expression but the whole idea behind it is pretty wild.
Here are some cool you tube videos of other robots:
Trumpeter Robot
Violinist Robot
Enjoy everyone!!
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»Jim Hirsch | Wed, 04/30/2008 - 11:26am
Hi Guest,
Thanks for the links to the other robot videos. Yes, I find it funny as well and given that Yo-Yo is on the bill, I'm sure it will be a wonderful concert.
Jim
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»Guest (not verified) | Wed, 04/30/2008 - 10:51am
While giving the robot access to the podium could be interpreted as pandering, I think the idea is that ASIMO's appearance will also help cultivate awareness of the DSO's educational outreach program. As the mother of a boy who loves robots and music, I can say from experience that it's a great way to get kids' attention, and that's never a bad thing. (Oh - did I mention that we're actually flying to Detroit just to hear the concert?)
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»Guest (not verified) | Wed, 04/30/2008 - 11:28am
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»Jim Hirsch | Wed, 04/30/2008 - 11:29am
Hi Guest,
Thanks for your comment on this blog. I agree that using a robot to capture kids interest is a good idea. My worry (and I'm pretty liberal about these things as a rule) is how far "product placement" might go. Will you write a review of the concert for this site? If so, write it up and send it to our site manager, Angela Golden. I'd love to get your take on the experience!
Jim
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»Guest (not verified) | Wed, 04/30/2008 - 11:58am
I'm happy to let you know what I thought. The robot is only conducting the opening piece, "Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. I'm embarrassed to say that we've been so excited about ASIMO that I keep forgetting that the real star of the program is Yo-Yo Ma, who will be performing a Haydn cello concerto as well as Saint-Saens' Cello Concerto No. 1. I wonder if this is more accurately described as a stunt, as opposed to product placement (it's not like they're putting something on stage that anyone could actually buy, like a car.) The woman to whom I spoke at the DSO said that the event has been a great thing for them, and they're thrilled by the response. They've been nice enough to admit us to the outreach event the following day, so I'll be interested to see how they integrate the robot demonstration with classical music. Personally, I can't wait!
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