Published
Wed, May 8, 2019, 23:25
- Coates' interpretation of two pieces by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer is out today.
Cellist, composer and producer Oliver Coates' arrangement of John Luther Adams’ Canticles of the Sky is out on RVNG Intl. today.
In March 2017, Coates conducted 32 cellists in the UK premiere of the composition. The recorded version captures Coates performing a multi-layered arrangement for solo cello and was previously only available as a limited, 2018 Record Store Day release. The digital release also includes a new recording of Three High Places, another 2007 piece written by Adams.
"Making this recording was not only about creating the most finely tuned interpretation of the piece in terms of frequencies and dynamics, but was also a chance to do something I have always wanted to do; to make a study in colour," Coates says. "Inspired by paintings by Hilma af Klint and Agnes Martin, I had a chance to build an overall image using different playing techniques and microphone combinations."
This November, John Luther Adams' Canticles of the Sky will be performed at London's Southbank Centre as part of Deep Minimalism 2.0, "a weekend dedicated to meditative listening and deep concentration" that Coates has curated. The festival will also feature performances by Liz Harris under her Nivhek alias, Morton Feldman, Eliane Radigue, Malibu, and more.
John Luther Adams’ Canticles of the Sky / Three High Places follows Coates' LP from last year, Shelley’s On Zenn-La, also for RVNG Intl. Coates has composed several works for films and theater, and collaborated with the likes of Radiohead, Mica Levi and Laurel Halo.
Listen to "Sky With Nameless Colors."
Tracklist
01. Sky With Four Suns
02. Sky With Four Moons
03. Sky With Nameless Colors
04. Sky With Endless Stars
05. Above Sunset Pass
06. The Wind At Maclaren Summit
07. Looking Toward Hope
08. Above Sunset Pass (Alt FX Render)
John Luther Adams’ Canticles of the Sky / Three High Places is out now on RVNG Intl.
