Cat Canon

Using Larry Polansky’s theoretical description as a blueprint for their own creations, this 2-CD set amasses nearly two hours worth of “DIY Canons” by 14 composers. Realizing that kitty cats are woefully underutilized in contemporary music, Kyoko Kobayashi’s Cat Canon juxtaposes those familiar purrs, hisses, meows, and sneezes into a giant poetic hairball. Sure, everything starts all cutesy, but once the pitch shifting creeps in, pretty kitty turns into a snarling beast. Hey, you managed to put together that Ikea bookcase, so why not to make your own DIY Canon? The recipe is available at Polansky’s website.

—RN