Orfeo

Questions About Orfeo

by Richard Powers

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Answered Questions (4)

Anyone know where to find a list of the songs that appear in the book? I keep forgetting to dog ear them.
Elizabeth The two largest works referenced are Mahler's Kindertotenlieder and Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time (Quatuor pour la fin du temps). He also wri…moreThe two largest works referenced are Mahler's Kindertotenlieder and Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time (Quatuor pour la fin du temps). He also writes about the final movement of Mozart's Jupiter -- Symphony No. 41 in C Major K. 551, the Shostakovich 5, Partch's Barstow, Lieberson's Neruda Songs, and Reich's Proverb.

I may have missed a few. (less)
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Question: I am listening to Orfeo on audio CD and am just a bit past the section on Olivier Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time." The "reader" gives certain sections in the tone of a computer voice (and that sounds appropriate)--however, I cannot find any commentary on this "computer character" in any of the reviews. Can any other readers enlighten me on this "character"? Thanks.
Michelle I also 'read' the audio book, and found the robotic voice a bit confusing. Near the end, you find out that these are all "Tweets" that Els sends durin…moreI also 'read' the audio book, and found the robotic voice a bit confusing. Near the end, you find out that these are all "Tweets" that Els sends during his time on the lamb.(less)
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Who is "Cage" mentioned in ORFO?
Herb Composer John Cage
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I keep wondering if/how Powers knows so much about both classical music composition and biochemistry. Anyone?
Kathy I haven't read this yet, but based on The Echo Makers, he's a pretty versatile author - maybe even a bit of a nerd. Probably just really well educated…moreI haven't read this yet, but based on The Echo Makers, he's a pretty versatile author - maybe even a bit of a nerd. Probably just really well educated.
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