The Holy Liftoff
Sono Luminus, 2026
9/10
The legendary composer Terry Riley see his work fleshed out by Claire Chase’s flute and the Jack Quartet, where Samuel Clay Birmaher’s realization unfolds in 60 minutes.
“The Holy Liftoff Chorale” opens with the warm flute emitting much grace amid the gripping strings, and it isn’t long until “Hymn” brings a light melody to the quick duration of sophistication.
Further along, “Parked Between Two Cloud” radiates a distinct intimacy in a nearly soothing manner, while “C Major Ishi” blends the colorful wind with the quartet’s dynamic string interaction.
Close to the end, “The Realm Of The Silver Balloons” moves minimally with a very calm demeanor, and “Escape” exits with a cinematic presence that allows for the manipulated strings and ambient flute to leave an indelible impression.
This installment is Chase’s 11th segment of her incredible, 24 year Density 2036 project, and it embraces classical and chamber ideas that unfold with an experimental presence which makes great use of Christopher Otto (violin), John Pickford Richards, (viola), Austin Wulliman (violin) and Jay Campbell (cello), i.e. Jack Quartet, superbly.
Travels well with: Elizabeth Newkirk- The Americanist!; Nicholas Finch- Cellostatus