An Atlas Of Deep Time
Cantaloupe, 2024
9/10
Listen to An Atlas Of Deep Time
An effort commissioned and recorded with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and guided by the vision of music Director Delta David Gier, John Luther Adams’ involved work surrounds the geological time with a formal structure that is modeled on the topography of western North America.
The lone track offers a nearly 42 minute piece that rumbles deeply with mystery before the layered strings, winds and horn meet at a place of density and tension for the waves of cinematic ideas. Closer to the end, the strong percussive elements enter, and it ultimately exits with a distinct richness amid striking tonality.
An effort rooted in the desire surrounding the struggle of human affairs to grasp the totality of the earth, there’s certainly a topographic element to this turbulent and fascinating body of work.
Travels well with: Toomai String Quartet- Passos Brasileiros; Pathos Trio- Polarity