Bang on a Can

Manhatta was written in 2003 to accompany the 1921 silent film of the same name, directed and photographed by Paul Strand and Charles Sheeler. The work was originally commissioned by Jonathan Sheffer for the Eos Orchestra and was first performed by the Eos Orchestra in New York City on April 24, 2003. This new version arranged by Andy Keenan was commissioned by the Bang on a Can All-Stars and first performed at the Bang on a Can Marathon at the World Financial Center on June 4, 2006. The piece itself is a marathon. Although only 10 minutes in duration, it has a driven, relentless bass line, which interplays with and equally rhythmic and linear melody line that seems to propel the visuals, perfectly reflecting Strand and Sheeler's Photographic style and sharp editing. At 212 beats per minute (also the area code for Manhattan), it is as if Nyman is daring the people in the film to go about their daily lives at an even faster and more furious pace than they already are.

The arrangement of Manhatta, by Michael Nyman and arranged by Andy Keenan was commissioned for the Bang on a Can All-Stars with generous support from the River to River Festival and the World Financial Center Arts & Events.