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Listening report: Meredith Monk

Meredith Jane Monk is an American composer, performer, director, vocalist, filmmaker, and choreographer. From the 1960s onwards she has created multi-disciplinary works which combine music, theatre, and dance. Monk uses her voice as an instrument by producing high and low tones. In an interview she said that the voice is the deepest level of energies and believes in the healing power of art. Moreover, she plays with the human voice and adds movements to her art. To highlight is the breathing technique, as well as the African Singing style she uses. All in all, she uses a combination of instruments.

 

Monks piece of work Gotham Lullaby is a great piece which I really enjoyed. The invented words that make up the text remind one of lullabies we all know. She creates with her voice and the piano a calm, but mystical atmosphere which led me into another world while listening to the few minutes of the piece. I think Gotham Lullaby has something sad about it, but probably everyone will interpret their own feelings into the piece
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