David Lang's "The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" is a captivating exploration of narrative and sound, released on June 9, 2015, under the Cantaloupe Music label. This ambitious work spans over 80 minutes and is a unique blend of free jazz and experimental composition, showcasing Lang's innovative approach to music.
The album is structured as a series of interconnected scenes and interludes, each titled after a different poisonous plant, which serve as a metaphorical framework for the stories being told. The narrative unfolds through various characters, including Mrs. Williamson, Boy Sam, and the Williamson Girl, each bringing their perspectives to the central mystery of a man's disappearance.
David Lang's composition is a testament to his ability to weave complex narratives into musical form. The album is not just a collection of tracks but a cohesive, immersive experience that challenges and engages the listener from start to finish. The interplay between the characters and the evocative use of musical motifs create a rich, multi-layered soundscape that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
"The Difficulty of Crossing a Field" is a bold and imaginative work that highlights David Lang's status as a visionary in contemporary classical and experimental music. It's an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers and nuances with each playthrough.
Tracks
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: OpeningDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [belladonna]: The first telling (Mrs. Williamson, Virginia, Chorus, Boy Sam)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, Isaiah Robinson, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 1: Today is the day (Williamson Girl)David Lang, Cree Carrico, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [monkshood]: The second telling (Armour Wren, Presiding Magistrate, Chorus)David Lang, Daniel Zippi, Jay O. Sanders, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 2David Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison hemlock]: The third telling (Williamson Girl, Williamson, Mrs. Williamson)David Lang, Cree Carrico, Jay O. Sanders, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [poison ivy]: The fourth Telling (Boy Sam, Chorus, Old Woman, Virginia)David Lang, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [loco weed]: The fifth telling (Presiding Magistrate, Andrew, Chorus)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Christopher Burchett, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Interlude 3: The disappearanceDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [black nightshade]: The sixth telling (Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Virginia)David Lang, Jay O. Sanders, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Wordless prayer of thanksDavid Lang, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Mrs. Williamson, Williamson Girl, Boy Sam, Chorus, Virginia)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Cree Carrico, Isaiah Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, Mari-Yan Pringle, Nicole Mitchell, Martin Bakari, Jorell Williams, Brandon Coleman, The Harlem String Quartet, Douglas Kinney Frost
The Difficulty of Crossing a Field: Scene [foxglove]: The seventh telling (Opening Aria)David Lang, Beverly O'Regan Thiele, Melissa White, Douglas Kinney Frost
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