Stories with Tag Open Culture

• 1977 Jazz-Funk Musical Adaptation of Dune by David Matthews

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  Posted: 2025-02-19 14:29:11

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  In 1977, French composer David Matthews created a jazz-funk concept album inspired by Frank Herbert's Dune. Commissioned for French radio, this pre-Lynch adaptation features a distinct 70s sound with synthesizers, electric piano, and a driving rhythm section. While incorporating elements of the novel's plot and characters like Paul Atreides and the Fremen, Matthews focuses more on evoking the atmosphere and themes of Arrakis, using original compositions with titles like "The Ceremony of the Sand" and "The Voice of Muad'Dib." This rarely-heard musical interpretation of Dune offers a unique and intriguing alternative to other adaptations.

  In the annals of unusual artistic endeavors, one particular project stands out as a peculiar and largely forgotten artifact of the late 1970s: a jazz-funk musical adaptation of Frank Herbert's epic science fiction novel, Dune, composed by David Matthews. This intriguing work, dating back to 1977, predates both the well-known David Lynch film adaptation and the more recent Denis Villeneuve version, offering a drastically different interpretation of Herbert's complex narrative.

  Matthews, a British composer known for his eclectic musical style, embarked on this ambitious project, seemingly captivated by the rich and multifaceted world Herbert had created. He envisioned translating the sprawling saga of Arrakis, its warring factions, and the messianic rise of Paul Atreides, into a vibrant musical experience infused with the rhythmic dynamism of jazz and the infectious grooves of funk. This fusion of genres, popular in the 70s, provided a unique sonic landscape against which to reimagine the political intrigue, ecological complexities, and spiritual awakenings that permeate Herbert's narrative.

  While the full extent of the musical's development remains somewhat shrouded in mystery, Open Culture sheds light on its existence through the presentation of several surviving tracks. These audio fragments offer tantalizing glimpses into Matthews' interpretation of Dune, showcasing his compositional approach and hinting at the potential scale of the intended production. Titles like "The Fremen," "Chani," and "Spice," evoke key elements of the novel, suggesting that Matthews sought to capture the essence of the story through musical motifs and thematic exploration.

  Regrettably, the 1977 Dune musical seemingly never reached full fruition, remaining a fascinating what-if in the realm of science fiction adaptations. The reasons for its apparent abandonment remain unclear, leaving us to speculate about the challenges faced in bringing such a complex and ambitious project to the stage. Nevertheless, the surviving tracks serve as a testament to Matthews' artistic vision and provide a unique historical perspective on the enduring appeal of Herbert's masterpiece. They stand as a curious footnote in the history of Dune adaptations, offering a glimpse into an alternative path not taken, a sonic exploration of Arrakis through the lens of 1970s musical sensibilities. This almost-lost piece of cultural history invites listeners to imagine a Dune experienced not through visuals and dialogue, but through the evocative power of music, a truly unique and intriguing prospect.

  • Dune
  • David Matthews
  • Jazz
  • Funk
  • Musical
  • adaptation
  • 1977
  • Science Fiction
  • Open Culture
  • Soundtrack
  • Progressive Rock
  • Experimental Music

  Summary of Comments ( 3 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43102491

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discuss the surprising existence of a Dune musical by David Matthews, predating the Toto adaptation. Several express curiosity about its sound and availability, with some recalling Matthews' other works like the "Shookfoil" album. Others debate the legality and likelihood of a full release due to copyright issues with the Dune IP. The potential for a "so bad it's good" experience is also mentioned, while a few lament the missed opportunity of a French electronic music adaptation by Heldon. Some question if Matthews' involvement is a hoax, while others confirm his prolific career in library and experimental music. The overall sentiment is a mix of intrigue and skepticism.

  The Hacker News post titled "1977 Jazz-Funk Musical Adaptation of Dune by David Matthews" generated several comments discussing various aspects of the potential musical adaptation.

  Some users expressed excitement and curiosity about the project. One comment highlighted the intriguing combination of jazz-funk and the Dune universe, wondering how such a musical would translate the complex themes and atmosphere of the book. Another user expressed sheer disbelief and eagerness to hear the adaptation, while another simply stated their hope that it would be made available on streaming platforms. A commenter mentioned having seen a production of this adaptation back in the 70s, remembering it as being quite good but noting the difficulty of adapting such dense source material.

  Several comments focused on David Matthews, the composer. Some users pointed out that this was not the Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band, but a different composer of the same name. This distinction led to some humorous remarks about the initial confusion and subsequent disappointment. One commenter shared an anecdote about a college radio DJ playing a cut from Matthews' Dune musical and jokingly attributing it to the more famous Dave Matthews, sparking interest among listeners.

  The discussion also touched upon the challenges of adapting Dune for different media. One user mentioned the inherent difficulty of translating the book's intricate plot and philosophical depth to other formats, while another expressed skepticism about the viability of a jazz-funk musical as a suitable medium for Dune. One commenter referenced Alejandro Jodorowsky's unsuccessful attempt to adapt Dune into a film, highlighting the complexity and ambition required for such a project. A different commenter referenced a different musical adaptation of Dune and stated that it "wasn't very good."

  Finally, some comments provided further information about David Matthews and his work. One commenter mentioned that Matthews was known for his work in theater and had composed music for other productions. Another shared a link to Matthews' website, enabling other users to explore his other projects and compositions.

• Playful Drawings That Charles Darwin's Children Left on His Manuscripts

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  Posted: 2025-01-15 14:18:32

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  Charles Darwin's children, particularly his sons Francis and Horace, used his scientific manuscripts as canvases for their youthful doodles. These drawings, discovered on the backs of and within the pages of important documents like early drafts of On the Origin of Species, include whimsical sketches of ships, houses, and fantastical creatures. While initially seen as distractions, these markings now offer a charming glimpse into the Darwin family's domestic life, humanizing the renowned scientist and demonstrating that even groundbreaking work can coexist with the playful chaos of raising a family. Cambridge University Library's Darwin Manuscripts Project has digitized these marked-up manuscripts, making them accessible to the public online.

  Within the hallowed halls of scholarly pursuit, where the weighty tomes of scientific inquiry reside, a delightful and unexpected intermingling of the profound and the playful can be found adorning the manuscripts of none other than Charles Darwin, the revolutionary naturalist who reshaped our understanding of the natural world. These documents, bearing the indelible mark of his groundbreaking theories, also serve as a charming canvas for the artistic expressions of his children, offering a captivating glimpse into the domestic life of a scientific giant.

  The article from Open Culture elucidates this fascinating intersection of family life and scientific endeavor, showcasing a collection of Darwin's manuscripts embellished with the whimsical drawings of his offspring. These drawings, far from being mere scribbles, provide a heartwarming testament to the vibrant atmosphere that permeated the Darwin household. They transform the austere pages of scientific discourse into a testament to the joyful chaos of family life, demonstrating that even amidst the rigorous pursuit of knowledge, there was room for the uninhibited creativity of childhood.

  These juvenile artistic interventions range from charmingly rudimentary depictions of animals – perhaps inspired by their father's groundbreaking work – to more abstract doodles and playful markings that, while lacking the precision of a trained artist, exude an undeniable charm and innocence. They offer a unique and endearing perspective into the daily life of the Darwin family, suggesting a household where intellectual curiosity and artistic expression were equally valued and encouraged. One can almost envision the young Darwins, imbued with the spirit of inquiry that permeated their home, engaging in these artistic endeavors while their father labored over his revolutionary theories, their innocent creations inadvertently adding another layer of meaning to his work.

  The article further highlights how these seemingly insignificant markings serve as a poignant reminder of the human element behind the monumental scientific achievements. They humanize Darwin, pulling him down from the pedestal of intellectual giant and revealing him as a father whose work was interwoven with the everyday realities of family life. These drawings, preserved alongside his scientific writings, offer a touching glimpse into the private world of Charles Darwin, demonstrating that the pursuit of groundbreaking scientific discoveries can coexist harmoniously with the joys and distractions of raising a family. The manuscripts, therefore, become more than just scientific documents; they transform into precious family artifacts, bearing witness to the interplay of intellectual rigor and familial affection within the Darwin household.

  • Charles Darwin
  • children
  • Drawings
  • Manuscripts
  • History of Science
  • Science
  • Family
  • Victorian Era
  • 19th Century
  • art
  • Doodles
  • Playful
  • Open Culture

  Summary of Comments ( 23 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42711012

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News appreciated the humanizing glimpse into Darwin's life as a father alongside his scientific pursuits. Several noted the charm and humor of the children's additions to such important work, with one pointing out the irony of corrections made on the theory of evolution by the next generation. Another commenter shared a similar anecdote about their own father, a physicist, whose work was "decorated" by their sibling. The overall sentiment reflects a fondness for the story and a sense of connection to the playful chaos of family life, even in the context of groundbreaking scientific work. A few users also expressed interest in seeing more of these marked-up manuscripts.

  The Hacker News post "Playful Drawings That Charles Darwin's Children Left on His Manuscripts" generated several comments, mostly revolving around the heartwarming and humanizing aspect of seeing Darwin's work adorned with his children's doodles.

  Several commenters expressed delight at the juxtaposition of serious scientific work and childish drawings, finding it charming and relatable. One commenter mentioned how it humanizes Darwin, showing him not just as a scientific giant but also as a loving father who allowed his children into his workspace. This sentiment was echoed by others who appreciated the glimpse into Darwin's family life and the suggestion that he fostered a creative and playful environment.

  One commenter highlighted the historical significance of these doodles, noting that they offer a unique window into Victorian family life, particularly among the educated class. They suggested that these seemingly insignificant markings provide valuable insight into the casual interactions within the Darwin household.

  A couple of commenters drew parallels to their own experiences with children drawing on important documents, sharing anecdotes about similar occurrences in their own homes and workspaces. This added a personal touch to the discussion, fostering a sense of shared experience among the commenters.

  The discussion also branched out into the broader topic of preserving historical artifacts. One commenter pondered the challenges faced by archivists in deciding what constitutes valuable historical material, raising the question of whether seemingly trivial items, like children's doodles on a manuscript, deserve preservation. This led to a brief discussion about the evolving nature of historical preservation and the increasing recognition of the value of everyday objects in understanding the past.

  Finally, some commenters shared their appreciation for the website Open Culture, praising its consistent delivery of interesting and enriching content. This steered the conversation slightly away from the main topic, but it still contributed to the overall positive tone of the comment section.

  Overall, the comments paint a picture of a community charmed by the human side of a historical figure, finding connection and relatability in the small details of his life revealed through his children's playful drawings.