Songs of Ascension
Meredith Monk · 2011
67 min · 21 tracks · opera · avant-garde music
A transcendent exploration of voice and sound, merging minimalist structures with ethereal vocalizations.
Songs of Ascension is an album by Meredith Monk, released in 2011. A transcendent exploration of voice and sound, merging minimalist structures with ethereal vocalizations. 'Songs of Ascension' was lauded for its innovative approach to choral music and received critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album. Its impact reverberated beyond traditional classical circles, influencing contemporary experimental musicians and reinforcing Monk's role as an avant-garde icon. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Songs of Ascension sound like?
A transcendent exploration of voice and sound, merging minimalist structures with ethereal vocalizations. Rooted in opera and avant-garde music.
What makes Songs of Ascension by Meredith Monk notable?
'Songs of Ascension' was lauded for its innovative approach to choral music and received critical acclaim, including a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album. Its impact reverberated beyond traditional classical circles, influencing contemporary experimental musicians and reinforcing Monk's role as an avant-garde icon. Released in 2011, 'Songs of Ascension' marked a significant moment in Meredith Monk's career as it followed her previous album 'Impermanent Echoes' from 2008. At this point, Monk had solidified her reputation as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music and extended her explorations into expansive sonic landscapes, further integrating her theatrical roots into her musical compositions.
How many songs are on Songs of Ascension?
Songs of Ascension has 21 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Clusters 1 Standout 3:17
- 2 Strand (Gathering) 1:55
- 3 Winter Variation 1:51
- 4 Cloud Code 3:32
- 5 Shift 1:52
- 6 Mapping 2:07
- 7 Summer Variation 3:17
- 8 Vow Standout 3:12
- 9 Clusters 2 2:28
- 10 Falling 2:54
- 11 Burn 4:16
- 12 Strand (Inner Psalm) 3:12
- 13 Autumn Variation 2:48
- 14 Ledge Dance 1:50
- 15 Traces 1:20
- 16 Respite 5:57
- 17 Mapping Continued 1:29
- 18 Clusters 3 2:09
- 19 Spring Variation 4:03
- 20 Fathom 4:37
- 21 Ascent Standout 9:27
Release Date
January 1, 2011
Artist Origin
United States
Runtime
67 min 33 sec
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