Album: Nico Muhly, Mothertongue (Bedroom Community)

Nico Muhly is a Juilliard-trained composer whose contemporary classical pieces are infused with the spirits of minimalists such as Reich, Riley and Glass.

This second full-length release comprises three multi-section pieces revolving around the human voice. On the title track, hints and wisps of piano, celesta, harp and strings adorn quietly chattering voices in a manner akin to Reich: it’s like listening to a spider’s web being spun, a weightless, gossamer series of overlapping threads.

Both “Wonders” and “The Only Tune” are sombre creations based on antique sources – the former using harpsichord, horns and swells of synth to illuminate old writings, the latter featuring Sam Amidon deconstructing a traditional murder ballad against droning organ and noise-collage. Weird, and intermittently wonderful.

"2nd Movement" from Mothertongue features in this month's Independent Audio Player. to listen.

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