Density 2036
Corbett Vs. Dempsey, 2020
8/10
A project that began in 2013, Claire Chase’s vision with a flute unfolds across a 4 CD set that features 18 works by 16 composers as electronics from Levy Lorenzo and other appearances help shape the very intricate compositions.
Disc 1, parts i & ii, starts with Marcos Balter’s “Pesso” for six bass flutes, where the low woodwinds move cautiously and later on mysteriously and with much atmosphere, and Mario Diaz de Leon’s “Luciform” emits much playfulness and a daring approach as flute and electronics weave in and out of each other with incredible dynamics.
Later on, “Parabolas na Caverna”, by Felipe Lara, shows us just how much one can accomplish with just a flute in an amplified setting, and Edgard Varése’s “Density 21.5” exits the listen with both cautious and firm displays of Chase’s strong flute prowess.
The 2nd disc is equally mesmerizing, and includes Dai Fujikura’s “Lila”, where solo flute, bass flute and contrabass flute showcase the many dimensions of the woodwind, and “Limn” by Nathan Davis, adds electronics to the bass and contrabass flute for an exercise in minimalism that also gets nearly sci-fi like.
The 3rd disc, part iv, is where some of the most adventurous tracks reside, including the glissando flute and ondes Martenot friendly “The Stimulus Of Loss”, where Suzanne Farrin’s song craft is illuminated gently and with much attention to space and tension. Vijay Iyer’s “Five Empty Chambers”, possibly the best track present across all the discs, then flirts with organic and synthetic noises that can be both nature-esque, but then also strategically jarring with a very unconventional rhythm.
The final installment is entirely work by Marcos Balter, and brings vocals used as an instrument into the flute dominated disc that showcases Chase’s inimitable proficiency with an incredible performance.
Amazingly, this entire listen includes no overdubs or corrections, and was recorded over 4 years. Even if you’ve heard flute music before, it’s never sounded like this and likely never will, as Chase’s vision is completely unclassifiable and beaming in a very unique realm of its own.
Travels well with: George Lewis- The Recombinant Trilogy; Wang Lu- An Atlas Of Time