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
