Created by Ivano Casamonti & Reginald Thorpe .Frank Zappa and Ensemble Modern Alte Oper Frankfurt recorded this Rehearsal on September,16th,1992.Total Timing :36' 14" (See Extract 2).
Watching him rehearse this orchestra with his last great composition is painfully bittersweet; knowing he is in pain and easily fatigued by the ravages of cancer. Yet he perseveres with his hallmark perfectionist work ethic to bring his music to life. We miss you Frank
Frank endeavored throughout his musical life to get proper performances of his orchestral works. As well, he demanded a lot from his Rocking Teenage Combos, but they had the advantage of playing the music on tour night after night, as well as months of rehearsals prior to touring to get it down. Frank never had enough time and resources to prepare the various orchestras to play his demanding and tricky music to his vision and standards, until Ensemble Modern came along and approached him to compose music for them to play. Not only did they have enough rehearsal time to get it down, they paid HIM for the privilege. He finally got the best performance of his orchestral music. Sad that he had to wait until the end of his life to get that satisfaction, but at least he, and we the audience and fans of his music, did get to experience his music as he meant it.
This whole concert is such a gem, I'm confused as to why it hasn't been released for download/DVD etc? So much has been released since Frank's passing so why not this?
Equal parts edifying and entertaining, this 14-minute Yellow Shark rehearsal excerpt is a dope AF pleasure. Zappa: quite the mensch! Thanks for this thoughtful post, ivano g casamonti.
how can he think this - how can the others take it all in or try to make it so ?? he puff and blow but of course the leetle cells do go Bonga Wonga Havat Yee... innit?
