About Me
I’m a Ph.D. candidate in musicology living and working in New York City. I study American music, specifically early 20th century classical music, and late 20th century rock music. I live in Brooklyn, have taught music appreciation at a college in Manhattan, and work as a writing fellow at a college in Brooklyn. I’m a huge Phishhead and Deadhead. I’m fascinated by music and place: how our geography informs our sense of musical place, and how music informs our sense of geography. I became an Americanist when I had my mind blown by Charles Ives’s Fourth Symphony.
Smooth Atonal Sound 
He Jake, This is really interesting and so good. I’ll look forward to it.
I’m so glad you’re doing this, Jake. I loved listening to the Saariaho clips whilst reading your descriptions. I’m totally subscribing to site updates.
Awesome Brad, glad you enjoyed it!
Once upon a time I got the impression from many smart people that Bartok was cool. To me his music seemed a foul and pestilential congregation of vapors, to coin (steal) a phrase,. It sounded hostile and scary. So, I put a bartok LP on the repeating turntable and let it repeat 24/7 while I studied medical school stuff until my back-brain had absorbed it unconsciously, and i could sing along with it. (Music for strings, percussion, and celeste). I have used that force-feeding technique (as though my musical brain were a goose’s liver transforming into foi-gras) many times since, most recently Kaija Saariaho. Very rewarding. Thanks for pointing me in this direction, Mr. Whose Name Cannot be Spoken.
You’re welcome Richard, and I you can call me “Jake” ;). Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celeste is my absolute favorite Bartok composition, the moment in the first movement when the Celeste suddenly shimmers into the sound world is amazing. I’m glad I could turn you on to her music, it is definitely some of my favorite right now.
I’m officially a subscriber now…keep up the posts big brother
Great site! Love the combination of smarts and Phish…. You’re being added as a Karaoke Activity Partner!
Happy New Year!
thanks K.A.P.! what does this honor entitle me to?
(The Java is messed up on my work computer, so that is why I’m not hitting reply…) It entitles you to a listing on my blog roll… and a future posting of “blog of worthiness” – an honor for only the coolest. Congrats! And again, great blog – glad to read some Phishhead NYC’er perspective!
AWESOME blog! I wish I was able to tour with Phish the way you did in ’03…I was only able to catch 2 Phish shows in ’04, but they still stand as two of the most emotionally and spiritually powerful moments of my life.
Every time I hear Scents, I am flushed with the most powerful feelings…I’m struggling to keep my composure right now as Trey’s solo cuts me deep 😉
Thanks again for sharing your experiences and thoughts on the greatest band I’ve ever known.
Hey thanks a lot Jerome! It means a lot to me to know that people are reading and enjoying what they read here. i’ll be sure to keep it up – subscribe or follow my twitter feed @smoothatonalsnd for all my updates.