April 22, 2010

Mellodrama, a documentary by Dianna Dilworth, explores the rising and falling fortunes of the Chamberlin and its better-known successor the Mellotron—the first musical keyboards to play the pre-recorded sounds of other instruments. The Music Industry program is sponsoring a screening of the film followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Dianna Dilworth, on Friday, April 23rd at 4:30 PM in the Bossone Auditorium.

From a California workshop to Royal Albert Hall, Mellodrama tells the story of an ingenious contraption called the Mellotron. Essentially the first sampling instrument, its haunting sound has changed the production and texture of popular music—from the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” and the Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin” to Radiohead’s OK Computer and Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.” The movie features commentary by members of  The Beach Boys, The Moody Blues, The Zombies, Cheap Trick, Black Sabbath, Maroon 5 and many more.

Event Facts:
What: Mellodrama Film Screening and Q&A
Where: Bossone’s Mitchell Auditorium; 3141 Martket St.
When: Friday, April 23; 4:30 PM
Cost: Free and open to the public