The Air Suspended
New Focus, 2022
9/10
The esteemed composer Christopher Cerrone offers us 2 recent works, where his minimalist vision brings bass, piano and an ensemble to the works that takes inspiration from Ben Lerner.
The title track occupies the first half of the listen, where rumbling keys from Shai Wosner and Pat Swoboda very precise bass are accompanied by the Argus Quartet. A track that traces the raw and powerful nature of the weather, Wosner originally premiered the track in 2019, it’s a thrilling, emotive and strategically delicate 3 movements.
“Why Was I Born Between Mirrors?” finishes out the listen, and it hosts the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, who apply stirring strings, dreamy flute, well timed percussive sounds and atmospheric clarinet to the haunting keys.
As always, this body of work showcases Cerrone’s close attention to timbre and colorful tone, and the presence of acoustic instruments only enhances the appeal of the creative endeavor.
Travels well with: Aaron Myers-Brooks- Oblique; Greg Stuart- Subtractions