The Sound of One Hand Clapping

Available for over a year

It is 40 years since American composer Steve Reich first performed his Clapping Music; his aim to "create a piece of music that needed no instruments beyond the human body", but his fascinating experiment in phasing and rhythm was by no means the first or the last time clapping has played a part in music. Musician David Bramwell explores the art of the clap in creating and teaching music - the most widespread forms of rhythm making across the world. He hears from Al Guerra, Miami based creator of the Interactive Metronome, a technique of clapping therapy that helps the brain damaged and uncoordinated. At Chichester College Jazz Course, saxophonist Simon D'Souza and guitarist Dave Murrell give insight into the way rhythm is taught to the most sophisticated of musical ears - how well you think you can keep time may be challenged, while teacher and performer Lorraine Bowen brings clapping into her pupils lessons with such joy that she makes everyone wish she had been their piano teacher. Finally, world famous composer Steve Reich and Zen guru Bart Simpson aid the revelation of what the sound of one hand clapping is really like. Producer: Sara Jane Hall.