Voiceless Mass
New World, 2025
8/10
The inimitable artist Raven Chacon presents 3 very complex pieces here, where each one embraces chamber ideas, but not in any easily classifiable sort of fashion.
The title track leads with pipe organ and large ensemble enthralling us for nearly 18 minutes via the mesmerizing droning and subtle melodies that surrounds the idea of space and how we gather, how it’s accessed and the land it occupies.
The middle track, “Biyán”, blends flute, clarinet, violin, cello and percussion with strong attention to repetition and minute details of acoustic gestures.
“Owl Song” exits, and uses sinfonietta and vocals strategically, where timbre and ambience are manipulated with intrigue and expressive bouts that tips it hat to the nocturnal hunting bird.
A highly artistic and relevant body of work, Chacon’s imagination is matched by the musician’s adaptable playing, and it ensures a very unique and memorable experience.
Travels well with: Susan Alcorn- Canto; Yarn/Wire- Andrew McIntosh: Little Jimmy