Nicolas Slonimsky on Frank Zappa

In these recorded comments by Slonimsky, his musical world (classical, avant garde) and that of Frank Zappa (popular, avant garde) came together primarily due to the publication of a book by Slonimsky on scales and harmonies that attracted Zappas attention. Slonimsky recounts his acceptance of an invitation by Zappa to play with his Rock Band. He also recounts how amazed he was when he observed Zappas scores for classical music which looked far out like something Edgar Varese would write, a composer who was admired by both Slonimsky and Zappa. Recorded at Slonimsky s home in Los Angeles by Charles Amirkhanian in 1983.