It's Electric

Electric string instruments can give new energy to familiar classical pieces and also give familiar pop and rock songs a new classical-inspired twist. Join host Liz Lyon as she touches on the history of electric string instruments, and listen to some pieces performed on electric strings. Episode 75 playlist Stuff Smith: How High the Moon — Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith, better known as Stuff Smith, was an American jazz violinist credited as being the first performer to use electric amplification techniques on a violin.LISTEN — Stuff Smith: How High the Moon Stuff Smith: How High the Moon by John Adams: A New Day — Electric violin soloist Tracy Silverman refers to his type of instrumentation as “progressive string playing” — classical string playing that weaves in contemporary music genres like rock, jazz, and hip-hop. Here he is playing “A New Day,” by John Adams.LISTEN — John Adams: A New Day John Adams: A New Day by 2CELLOS: Eye of the Tiger — This cellist duo from Croatia are classically trained musicians who play instrumental arrangements of well-known pop and rock songs. They also play classical and film music and have even been featured on several TV series episodes.LISTEN — 2CELLOS: Eye of the Tiger 2CELLOS: Eye of the Tiger by Deborah Henson-Conant: Nightingale — Deborah Henson-Conant wrote this piece in memory of her mother’s voice. “Nightingale” is her most-requested tune in concert. She often plays on an electric acoustic pedal harp, which can be used with an amplifier or played like a normal pedal harp. LISTEN — Deborah Henson-Conant: Nightingale Deborah Henson-Conant: Nightingale by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Adventures where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.