The Understanding Of All Things
New Focus, 2022
8/10
Listen to The Understanding Of All Things
The Pullitzer Prize-Nominated artist Kate Soper brings her voice and piano to 3 originals and a pair of new improvisations here, where Sam Pluta’s electronic prowess is utilized to make the most impact in the theatric, soprano fueled climate.
The fascinating title track opens the listen with poetic text from Kafka alongside unpredictable tinkering via fixed media that adds much intrigue, and “Dialogue I” follows with Pluta’s live electronics adding much depth to the philosophical spoken word and gorgeous, dreamy singing from Soper.
“The Fragments Of Parmenides” occupies the middle spot and puts more focus on Soper’s lovely pipes amid warm piano, while “Dialogue II” is a display of improvisation that embraces vocal loops, post-glitch ideas and an exciting manipulation of pitch.
The final track, “So Dawn Chromatically Descends to Day”, uses text by Fred Lerdahl and Robert Frost and sublime, eloquent singing that’s accented by the sophisticated and gentle piano.
Both Soper and Pluta have impressive resumes (Pluta is a central member of Wet Ink Ensemble), and together their collective strength and diverse backgrounds make for an unclassifiable listen in the area of electronic, classical and chamber inspired song craft that pays much attention to mood.
Travels well with: Pathos Trio- When Dark Sounds Collide; David Liptak- Brightening Air