Representing the finest in thrash metal and classical violin solo performance, in conversation, see what Anthrax's drummer/composer and virtuoso Rachel Barton Pine agree on.
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Metal's Benante And Classical's Pine "Take It Somewhere Else"
This Chicago Chapter "Up Close & Personal" event paired thrash metal band Anthrax's songwriter and drummer Charlie Benante in conversation with classical violinist Rachel Barton Pine, who is a big thrash fan. United by their common love of music, this high-level discussion addresses live concert versus studio, metal versus classical, and controlling volume and dynamics. For example, Pine discussed small live ensembles signaling each other and breathing together, trying to anticipate the piece's unique flow in performance, to which Benante asked, "So it's controlled chaos?" and Pine agreed. Both love the studio but for Benante it is more creative as an opportunity to compose what they will be playing on the road. For Pine, studio sessions require the greatest consistency in take after take, so they can be spliced. Even with a large orchestra controlled by a conductor, Pine says classical performers expect their sound to be coming from where their body is (not speakers) and must feel all the music around them, in their bodies, to be confident that "the whole texture, all put together, works." Benante responded, "That's the excitement of playing live, that you just take it somewhere else."