David Dalle
Thursday April 9th, 2015 with David Dalle
Music for a Frozen Land Part III: The Great Thaw

This is the third and final episode looking at the music of American composer John Luther Adams. Today we look at one of his most recent and greatest works, “Become Ocean” for orchestra. Adams, who has worked as a conservation officer, spent most of his adult life living in rural Alaska where he has drawn inspiration from the vast Arctic landscapes and native people of the far north. Environmental concerns and particularly climate change are preoccupations for Adams and are a critical threat to the Arctic biosphere (and indeed, the world). This is the motivation behind this magnificent, overwhelming piece for large orchestra. This music completely engulfs the listener in a roiling ocean of sound which builds and subsides in great waves. You become submerged and enraptured by this most beautiful of cathartic experiences. A masterpiece. Music from the earth as it becomes ocean. Part I can be heard on-demand here: http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/20296.html Part II can be heard on-demand here: http://cod.ckcufm.com/programs/105/20765.html http://johnlutheradams.net/ We will also hear from Norwegian musician Terje Isungset's new album "Meditations" recorded mostly in various locations in the Arctic circle in Norway, Canada, Russia, and Greenland using ephemeral instruments he creates from ice. As well, Norwegian singers and musicians Agnes Buen Garnas, Mari Boine, Jan Garbarek.