About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Impermanence' was released in 2008, Meredith Monk had established herself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music and performance. This album followed her 2002 release 'Daylight,' showcasing her continued evolution in blending vocal techniques with innovative compositional structures. It marked a phase where Monk further explored themes of transience and change through her art.
Why it matters
'Impermanence' received critical acclaim for its unique approach to sound and structure, reinforcing Monk's influence on contemporary avant-garde music. The album exemplified her ability to weave together diverse elements, leading to discussions about the nature of time and existence in music, which resonated particularly well within the experimental music community.
Essential tracks
- "Liminal" — This track embodies the essence of the album's exploration of transitional states, featuring Monk's signature vocal layering intertwined with subtle instrumental shifts.
- "Particular Dance" — In this piece, Monk’s rhythmic vocalizations create a dance-like quality that highlights her innovative use of voice as a percussive instrument.
- "Totentanz" — This track stands out for its dramatic interplay between silence and sound, reflecting themes of mortality while showcasing Monk’s theatrical influences.
Release Date
January 1, 2008
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Last Song 7:18
- 2 Maybe 1 2:03
- 3 Little Breath 1:44
- 4 Liminal 10:59
- 5 Disequilibrium 2:26
- 6 Particular Dance 5:01
- 7 Between Song 6:10
- 8 Passage 1:59
- 9 Maybe 2 3:07
- 10 Skeleton Lines 4:19
- 11 Slow Dissolve 2:35
- 12 Totentanz 3:59
- 13 Sweep 1 1:28
- 14 Rocking 5:17
- 15 Sweep 2 1:26
- 16 Mieke's Melody Nr 5 5:15
