Conversations With Myself
New Focus, 2022
8/10
Listen to Conversations With Myself
A recording that documents a year of artistic activity in isolation, Alicia Lee brings clarinet in B-flat and bass versions, as well as electronics, to this careful exploration of live performance meets pre-recorded sounds.
Dai Fujikura’s “Contour” starts the listen with soothing and flowing bass clarinet that emits much melody alongside the double tongued pitches, and “Dialogue de l’ ombre double”, by Pierre Boulez, follows with live clarinet that alternates from being close and distant. The setting grows quite swift, and the electronic shadow versus live instrument makes for fascinating gestures.
Isang Yun’s “Monolog” occupies the middle spot and embraces long notes and a charming delicateness that spends 10 minutes mesmerizing us with its precise dialogue, while “Advice From A Caterpillar, From Alice In Wonderland” is a more animated piece that presents sweeping arpeggios and strong attention to detail and mood in the Unsuk Chin piece.
Hideaki Aomori’s “Split” exits the listen, and pays special attention to harmonics, echoing and pitch, where mystery is cultivated through the fascinating playing from Lee.
A complex and powerful effort, Lee’s experience in chamber and orchestral settings makes for artistic and rich expressions across this very absorbing affair.
Travels well with: Eric Nathan- Missing Words; Stephanie Lamprea- Quaking Aspen