NPR Music

Support Public RadioLoginLogout

Field Recordings

Credit: NPR

Mantra: Post-Minimalist Percussion In Aisle 12

January 12, 2012 For composer Michael Gordon's mesmerizing Timber, written for six two-by-fours, Mantra set up a public performance of the piece in the lumber department of a big-box hardware store in Alexandria, Va.

There's something primeval about guys banging on wood. But the New York percussion group Mantra takes such primitive pounding to a surprisingly refined level. For composer Michael Gordon's mesmerizing new work — Timber, written for six two-by-fours — Mantra set up a public performance of the piece in the lumber department of a big-box hardware store in Alexandria, Va. Who knew 60 inches of processed pine could sound so good?

Credit:

Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Dena Trugman, Tom Huizenga; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Additional Videography: Mike Katzif; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins.

 

Comments

Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.

 

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its website or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.