Song of Absence (2016-17)

for contrabass and electronics

The formal and material unfolding of this work constitutes my response to a Psalm in which one asks the other to listen to oneself.

This glacial, immersive work seeks to create an experience in which this demand is reversed – it proposes a listening to what is, to existence as other – whilst at the same time addressing to the ‘theological’ consequences of the Psalms translation into English.

Out of the depths I cry to you, ––– ; ––– hear my voice,

Let ––– ears be attentive / to my cry for mercy. (Song of Ascents)

Out of the depths I … / hear … let … ears be attentive / … (Song of Absence)

premiered by ELISION Ensemble

Joan Wright (contrabass), and John Pax (electronics)

recorded live at Harvard University, May 20th 2017

score

recording