From the Editor: Tuesday 25th April

It might feel self-congratulatory, but it’s worth reminding ourselves that we’re lucky to have such a wealth of cool stuff to go to in the Fringe and Festival on our doorstep. I’m going to highlight a mini series in the Fringe that you might have missed: the Listen America! series from ‘music of our time’, a music arts education charity.

It might sound odd but modern classical music is arguably far more experimental and innovative than modern rock music, which can often fall back on the same old templates. If you’re interested in more provocative or bold music you can stream George Crumb’s ‘Black Angels’ quartet at bit.ly/1jvwajV to hear the occasionally overwhelming piece. David Bowie commented that it “scared the bejabbers out of me” which is a ringing endorsement in my book.

George Crumb’s ‘Black Angels’, St Nicholas’ Church, 5 May, 7.30pm

It might be more tempting however to sample the more accessible music of Charles Ives, Aaron Copland and Henry Cowell who are being showcased in a solo concert by American pianist Joel Sachs. The sparse Night Thoughts (Homage to Ives) by Copland will feature, which is redolent of jazz and starkly thrilling in a more quiet way than the Crumb piece (bit.ly/2nHnwSb).

American Piano Music: Joel Sachs, St Nicholas’ Church, 2 June, 7.30pm

It might feel repetitious to regular readers but I will keep banging the drum for classical music in today’s musical landscape since I consider it a little detached and aloof. If you’re into strange music in the jazz or indie realms for example, I think there is a lot of crossover appeal in these shows. I don’t have space here to discuss the other two gigs but flick to page 91 of the Fringe brochure or visit musicofourtime.co.uk to read more about the series.