2/12/08

Composer of the Day!

Today’s composer of the day is Meredith Monk.

(b. 1942)

She’s an artistic chameleon. She has been a successful composer, performer, vocalist, film-maker, and choreographer. Often her work is inter-disciplinary. Check this out.

It has been said by a certain someone that her

New sounds and new ways of organizing them were the engines of exciting adventures, and Ms. Monk’s extensions of the human voice became a part [of the vibrant downtown New York scene]. Words faded to the background; wails, shrieks, burbles, tremolos, squeaks and screams, all carefully modulated and controlled, created nonverbal texts.

Ms. Monk brings calm to an experimental field better known for its violent extremes.

Her use of harmony soothes. The rhythmic disruptions and the minimalist overlays of repetition go far enough to interest the ear, but not much further.


I couldn’t say it any better.

You should listen to her music.

5 comments:

Erik Loomis said...

Women can be composers? Next they'll be starting to drive. If this nonsense continues, someday one could be president.

Sator Arepo said...

I know! This is out of control. Vote McCain!

Anonymous said...

maybe this is just me, but doesn't she look a little like the Hip-Hop Emily Dickinson? Look at her, rockin' the dreads.

I taste a liquor never brewed – (Colt 45?)
From Tankards scooped in Pearl –
Not all the Frankfort Berries (I love frankenberries!)
Yield such an Alcohol! Bi-atch!
-- E-Dick

Sator Arepo said...

I loved E-Dick's early work, when she was in the 2-Depre$$ed Mob.

Anonymous said...

Meredith Monk is baaaaaaaaaaad ass.

Love her.

Nice choice, once again!