Relevant Tones

Composers have long explored the percussive possibilities of traditionally non-percussive instruments, striking, tapping, scraping, and knocking on their bodies to uncover sounds beyond their conventional vocabulary. Many of these techniques already belong to a tradition of extended instrumental practice in contemporary music. But composers and performers continue to find new ways of expanding an instrument’s expressive capabilities, and, in doing so, our own imaginations. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music by Helmut Lachenmann, Nina Shekhar, Kazimierz Serocki, Erin Rogers, Luciano Berio, and Giacinto Scelsi that asks us to hear familiar instruments in unfamiliar ways, imagining what else they might become.

The late Canadian composer Jocelyn Morlock left behind music of extraordinary color, imagination and emotional depth. The new album, Artemis Sleeps, celebrates her remarkable chamber music for flute and grew out of the advocacy of flutist Mark McGregor, a longtime collaborator and close friend. On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with McGregor about Morlock’s music, their friendship, and the story behind bringing Artemis Sleeps to life.

Formed in 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin, the Beltline Bones are “a new music ensemble disguised as a trombone quartet” with an omnivorous approach to new music, combining the traditional idiom of the brass ensemble with an adventurous interest in electronics, genre mixture, and notational experimentation.On their second commercial release, Technological Eclipse, the ensemble chronicles several fruits of its commissioning efforts, with a program of electro-acoustic pieces that push the boundaries of genre and notation. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson talks with Cole Bartels, Justin Coyne and Adam Nissenbaum about the group's work, their commissioning and arranging projects, live performance, Technological Eclipse, and much more.MUSICGeminids by Alex Ring GrayI Was Thinking About the Buffalo by Brooks FredericksonVariants II by Cole BartelsTechnological Eclipse by Alec LoveIn and Out of the Game by Eve BeglarianOcho by Jorge Variego

The voice is our oldest and most familiar instrument, yet composers continue to discover astonishing new possibilities within it. Music for the voice alone invites us to listen differently. Without harmony or accompaniment to guide our ears, every contour, breath, and vocal gesture takes on its own significance. On this episode of Relevant Tones, host Stephen Anthony Rawson explores music for the unaccompanied voice, featuring works by Morton Feldman, John Cage, Gráinne Mulvey, Enno Poppe, Erin Gee, Giacinto Scelsi, Jean-Christophe Rosaz, Luciano Berio, and Meredith Monk. Through these extraordinary works, we’re invited to hear not only the limitless expressive potential of a single voice, but perhaps even the unexpected musicality of the many voices we encounter every day.Featured Music- Only, Morton Feldman- Eight Whiskus, John Cage- Eternity is Now, Gráinne Mulvey- Wespe, Enno Poppe- Mouthpiece I, Erin Gee- Hô, Giacinto Scelsi- Alphabet, Jean-Christophe Rosaz- Sequenza III, Luciano Berio- Lullaby, Meredith Monk

The Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival is an ambitious summer program that brings together young string players to work intensively with leading professionals while performing throughout Colchester and the surrounding communities. For the past four years, the festival has also championed new music through its annual Call for Scores. On this episode of Relevant Tones, Seth Boustead talks with Artistic Director Elizabeth Chang about the festival's unique approach to chamber music education and features works by recent Call for Scores winners Paul Novak, Jorge Amado, Ethan Jankowski, and Mary Brook Hartmann.