The audience stirs from its slumber
to the sounds of the Rubbish Symphony
a complicated work usually arranged in three parts,
punctuated by interludes of indeterminate length.
The Rubbish Orchestra's arrival is a surprise
though not wholly unexpected: they like to
build the suspense before crashing onto the stage
announced by the light of a thousand suns.
Tonight's work is entitled "Paper, Glass, Food";
though each is a standalone piece and can be performed
in any order at any time, the only stipulation
is that the whole movement must be adagio and fortissimo.
Occasionally a soloist may perform an impromptu vocal part,
which can be difficult to interpret over the cacophony
of noise produced by the other instruments, but
turns the performance into a truly unique experience.
It is an art of sorts, Musique concrète if you like,
certainly concrete is usually involved for percussive effect,
and with their imaginative sequencing and use of found sounds,
the Rubbish Orchestra can never be accused of recycling old material.
Donald Keyman
