Draft:Concerto for Turntable

Concerto for Turntable is a groundbreaking musical work that integrates the art of turntablism with classical music composition. Co-created by DJ Radar and Raul Yanez, a composer and professor at Arizona State University, this composition showcases a unique melding of electronic and orchestral music elements. The concerto was first performed in notable venues including Carnegie Hall, symbolizing its acceptance into the classical music tradition.

Development and Premiere
The idea for the Concerto for Turntable emerged from the collaboration between DJ Radar, known for his innovative turntable techniques, and Raul Yanez, who has expertise in both jazz and classical music spheres. The project was initially supported by Red Bull, which helped to sponsor its development and the premiere performance. The concerto debuted at Arizona State University's Gammage Auditorium before its major premiere at Carnegie Hall on October 2, 2005.

Composition and Reception
The Concerto for Turntable features a turntable as the solo instrument, complemented by a full symphony orchestra. This arrangement necessitated the development of "scratch notation" by DJ Radar to transcribe his turntable manipulations into a format readable by classically trained musicians. This innovative scoring method was crucial for integrating the turntable's electronic sounds with the acoustic orchestra.

The premiere at Carnegie Hall was met with enthusiastic responses, highlighting the potential of digital instruments within classical music settings and demonstrating the artistic validity of turntablism.

Impact and Legacy
Concerto for Turntable has had a significant impact on the perception of turntablism as a legitimate musical form, bridging the gap between traditional classical music audiences and modern electronic music fans. The work has been discussed in academic and musical circles as a pioneering example of genre fusion and has inspired other composers and musicians to explore similar collaborations.