RN Documentary: Imagination is the Instrument of Compassion
Series: RN Documentaries
From: Radio Netherlands Worldwide
Length: 00:29:30
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Piece Description
New York author Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is part of a wave of what has been dubbed “post-9/11 fiction.” But some critics say not enough time has passed to write a great book relating to the event. How much time must pass before such a catastrophic event can be transformed into a work of art? Interview with the author is mixed with short excerpts from the book against a backdrop of John Adams’ “On the Transmigration of Souls” (composed for the first anniversary of 9/11 and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for music).
Transcript
“Imagination is the Instrument of Compassion”
Of the many books which have appeared this year in the new genre which has been called “post-9/11 fiction” one of the most striking is Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.”
Interview: Jonathan Safran Foer (Marijke van der Meer June 2005)
Music: “On the Transmigration of Souls” by John Adams (Sept 2002)
Readings: “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” by Jonathan S. Foer
SCRIPT
VOX ID
MUSIC: On the Transmigration of Souls – John Adams & NY Philharmonic
From Start
DAVID: To commemorate the first anniversary of the events on September 11, 2001, composer John Adams created what he calls a “memory space” – a place where one can be alone with ones thoughts and emotions. He was inspired by European cathedrals where one senses the presence of generations upon generations of souls, as if they were all con...
Read the full transcript
Musical Works
On the Transmigration of Souls
Nonesuch 7559-79816-2
John Adams
14’00” New York Philharmonic




Marjorie Van Halteren
Posted on October 28, 2005 at 02:03 PM | Permalink
Review of RN Documentary: Imagination is the Instrument of Compassion
This is part literary program (focusing on Jonathan Safran Foer, who appears in the program) and part cultural sound essay - but it is all parts elegance, eloquence and soul. For stations that still use reference tones - or trust a fine CD to capture the most delicate beginnings as an audience holds its breath and the orchestra begins. I only wish I'd written about it well before September 11 - but never mind - no hook required.