October 29 (Mon), 8 pm
501 Schermerhorn, Columbia Univ. (116th & Broadway)

Please join us as we talk to Alex Ross, the classical music critic of The New Yorker magazine. His long-anticipated history of music in the twentieth century was finally released on 10/16 - The Rest Is Noise (FSG). Our conversation will entail the discussion of his book, as well as the interesting, hybridized state of classical music today, what it might mean in the context of the larger cultural history. And don’t you wonder about what people really mean when they say that classical music is dead? So come to find out whether this event will be a funeral or a celebration.

What they are saying about The Rest Is Noise:

“The Rest Is Noise is cultural history the way cultural history should be written: a single strong narrative operating on many levels at once. What more do you want from a book? That it be intelligently, artfully, and lucidly written? It’s those things, too.”

- Louis Menand

“Fast-forwarding through so many music-makers’ creative highs and lows in the company of Alex Ross’s incredibly nourishing book will rekindle anyone’s fire for music.”

- Björk

“The Rest Is Noise reads like a sprawling, intense novel, one of utopian dreams, doom, and consolation, with the most extraordinary cast of characters from music and history alike. A great, inspiring ride.”

- Osvaldo Golijov

(The event is free and open to public, but please arrive early as seating is limited. Please support our events by purchasing copies of The Rest Is Noise, which will be on sale at the event.)

Posted on Oct 21.07 to News | No Comments »