This album features several world premiere recordings, including Jennifer Higdon's "Zaka", Gordon Fitzell's "violence" and "evanescence", and Dennis DeSantis's "strange imaginary remix".
Composer's Artistic Vision
In his piece "violence", composer Gordon Fitzell explored the concept of aesthetic violence, focusing on violence inherent to the structure of the art object rather than its representation.
Performer Biography
eighth blackbird, the ensemble performing on this album, has been performing since 1996 and is the resident ensemble at the Universities of Richmond and Chicago.
Album & Artwork
The cover, back cover, and disc illustrations for this album were created by David M. Gordon, one of the composers featured on the recording.
Compositional Technique
Steven Mackey's "Indigenous Instruments" features de-tuned instruments, irregular clock ticks, and alternating funky riffs with calm tunes, creating music from a non-existent culture.
Composition History
Jennifer Higdon's piece "Zaka" was commissioned as part of a national series of works from Meet the Composer Commissioning Music/USA, supported by several foundations and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Recording & Production
The album was recorded at Ball State University between August 15-18, 2005, with Judith Sherman producing most tracks and also serving as engineer.
