Part 2: The Idea of Simplicity
I always try to find ways to simplify things in my life.  My ideas never seem to work out the way I think they will, but I’m always looking for simple solutions.  One of the challenges to making this simple idea come to life is sorting through all of the logistical complications and decisions.

Complication #1: Which subway line should I chose?  There are 22 lines in the New York City subway system, but only a handful that reach more than two boroughs.  It would be really cool for this project to reach out into Queens and Brooklyn as well as Manhattan.  Considering these options, I was reminded of a choral piece that Michael Gordon had written with an accompanying video by Bill Morrison called Every Stop on the F Train.  That was it: the F-line would be perfect for this project and would simultaneously be a nice tip-of-the-hat to Michael Gordon.

Complication #2: It turns out that about a dozen of the stops on the F-line are above ground, and this project is supposed to take place in December on the longest night of the year.  Assuming I could actually find enough cellists to cover every single F-line platform, I couldn’t ask them to play outside on what could be a sub-zero evening.  Why not invite other musicians to perform the Bach as well – maybe a trombonist would be willing to play outside in December?  Maybe there could be an arrangement for toy piano, or even a melodica?  Luckily, the fantastic and adventurous musicians of The Knights agreed to supply musicians at every stop, and I agreed to make sure that everyone had a proper arrangement of the music.

Complication #3: How important is it that the unassuming public who happen to ride the F-line on the evening of December 21 actually know what’s going on?  There’s no way to notify everyone, and I decided not to even try.  One of the things that I love about this project is that it turns the public into accidental participants.  The only question that remains is, what will their reactions be?

Curatorial Statement

Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Date: Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Place: Every Coney Island bound F-Train platform

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James Holt is a composer who writes primarily for mixed chamber ensembles.
He is originally from Seattle but now lives and works in New York City.