An Avalanche of Pianos

From September 30, 1971, this is a recording of what was a live broadcast from Gordon’s Piano Shop, 1776 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley CA, of local composer, John Dinwiddie’s piece for fifteen or more (that’s right, count them), pianos. “Improvisational Format” received its world premiere during this performance and featured 17 locals musicians under the direction of the composer. The listening public was encouraged to come down to the shop to witness this extraordinary performance, which also included Philip Corner’s “C Major Chord.” This latter piece of aleatoric music came with the sole instruction that any number of pianists must play a C Major chord.