In memory of Oliver Knussen: The Classical Music Week

Although one might believe that New York's clbadic music scene is going into hibernation during the summer months, the reality is that small businesses are rushing to fill the void while major players like the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. During the last week, I attended five intriguing performances, three of which were free for the public. (Yes, it's another summer trend, in the clbadic culture of the city.)

First, following my recent enthusiasm for a series of concerts at the National Sawdust led by John Zorn I followed the composer-saxophonist The popular series "First Friday" by Frick Collection. Mr. Zorn and his close badociates walked the museum for several hours, settling in various chamber music settings, in different galleries and foyers. I joined them in the famous intimate music room of the building, which is ready to be redeveloped during an upcoming renovation. There, it was possible to hear a pair of artists present a strong argument in favor of the current iteration of space.

Cellist Michael Nicolas has played "Above, Below" by Mr. Zorn, a febrile work full of contrasting energies. (This piece is one of the many that Mr. Zorn will bring to the concerts accompanying the Hilma af Klint paintings.)

Then Mr. Zorn played some contrasting lines, on alto saxophone. Presented to the program as a continuation of his long solo saxophone series, "The Clbadic Guide to Strategy," he first reflected some of the rapidly changing style heard during cello work – while he was leaving going through hot lines the exaggerated texture alternates with short legato phrases, suggesting a mellow ballad (if only for a moment).

Although at the end of his solo, while he found the center of the room, Mr. Zorn simply aimed at the instrument bell. the ceiling, and let it rip for a moment. With that hoarse scream, he seemed to be doing his own sound renovation of the space: getting into the decor, making the room vibrate on its frequency.

The most recent recording of his series "Strategy" features reeds soaked with blood its cover. And you can get an idea of ​​how Mr. Zorn engages the body, during these performances, in a live video of a 2009 solo, hosted on the site of the WQXR radio station. (Mr. Zorn's sequel will return to Frick's first Friday series on October 5.)