A funny thing happened on my way to see Missy Mizzoli's chamber opera "Song From The Uproar" tonight in DUMBO. Across the street from Galapagos, an art book publisher, Powerhouse Books, was hosting some kind of book release party with a hip hop DJ and free Bud bottles. Turns out the book is KRS-ONE's The Gospel of Hip Hop, and the venerable MC turned out in person to deliver his positive sermon in Rap. At one point, the DJ backed KRS with Vivaldi and Pachelbel in "Classical Rap," the 4/4 beat building to an overpowering crescendo.
Apologies to Missy, but I did actually manage to catch the soft, shimmering end of her piece, sung by Abby Fischer and backed by an aquatically-themed film by Stephen Taylor. I won't pass value judgment, but some words speak louder than others – and tonight, what I needed was Volume. Next up: William Brittelle and his big band art song. (More pics below.)