November moments, 2011
Driving through rain on a slow winding nighttime mission to recharge the car’s batteries. We’re silent, listening to the sound of windshield wipers and a WNYC program featuring a duet for broken grand piano and broken toy piano. The dissonant tones and disjointed rhythms match the weather perfectly. Inside the car is warm; the rest of the world is just a blurry darkness punctuated by streetlights.
We stop at a red light; the piece ends. “That was performed by an artist who specializes, believe it or not, in playing—ruined instruments!” says the host.
“I don’t believe it. I won’t believe it. I shan’t believe it!” says Mark.
The host ignores us. “The next piece is called: An Ode To Ruin.”
The light turns green.
