Its name refers to the fact that its performance requires a typewriter, which is used on stage: keystrokes, the typewriter bell, and the carriage return mechanism provide a major component of the piece, although Anderson demonstrated that a musical gourd could be used instead of a carriage return.
The typewriter is modified so that only two keys work; although many listeners have suspected that stenographers are enlisted to "play" the typewriter, Anderson reported that only professional drummers have sufficient wrist flexibility.
It has been called one of "the wittiest and most clever pieces in the orchestral repertoire".
The piece was featured in the Jerry Lewis film Who's Minding the Store (1963). Lewis didn't have to worry about keys, bell, or carriage return. He typed the whole piece in the air.
Enjoy!
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It helps if you know what a typewriter is.
ReplyDeleteWhat a talent, and, how fortunate we are to still have around!
ReplyDeleteSo clever and talanted. I am never tired of seeing his acting.
ReplyDelete