The CATcerto – good fun, good music
By Ralph Graves
Everyone in the classical world has been talking about the CATcerto. And with good reason — it’s an interesting novelty that’s a welcome break from “serious” music. Lithuanian composer Mindaugas Piečaitis took a forwarded video of Nora the cat playing the piano, and wrote an orchestral setting for it.
Most posts focus on the humorous aspects of this project that seemed a natural for YouTube. But do this: watch the video, and then play it again with the browser minimized (or your eyes closed).
As a video, it’s amusing to be sure. But take away the video and you have a charming composition that’s appealing in its own right.
I’ve received permission from Piečaitis to air the CATcerto on “Gamut,” and I’ll be doing so sometime in the near future. Funny, yes. But darned good music IMHO.
