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about

The Whale Song originated from my own improvisations and explorations with a cello. It begins with a chant inspired by Hildegard Von Bingen. It is a story of a Whale and Monks.

Sæunn is from Iceland, and so I wanted to incorporate an element of folklore in her piece. As I was working, a myth came to me: The Whale swallows the Monks, sinks, and they chant exuberantly from within.

The Whale Song explores contrasts and shadows, linear and non-linear qualities, blurring and expanding the edges between abstract and concrete. The cellist explores the infinite dimensionality and expressiveness of fundamentals and overtones with both the bow and the left hand; teetering on this edge between form and abstraction of a note, the cello can sound like it is sighing, crying, yearning.

'Ablaze' is driven by a conflict between a rhythmic, microtonal theme, and the regal theme of the Whale. There are two conflicting momentums of the movement: large sweeping lines of brilliant rhythmic drive, interrupted by moments of inversion and sorrow. This conflict of contrasts propels the movement.

The Chorale is the culmination of the yearning theme fully realized, and moves towards unity between the natural world, the spiritual, and mankind.

An electronic Shadow emerges from niente after the final Chorale chord, as if the chant is swirling in our own minds, as it may have been echoing for thousands of years.

credits

released February 11, 2022

Composed by Michelle Ross, 2020
Performed by Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir, cello
Recorded, Edited, Mixed, Mastered by Ryan Streber, Oktaven Audio
Electronics by Michelle Ross
Produced by Michelle Ross
Published by Nadja Rose
Commissioned by Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir

Cover Credits:
Original Artwork by Rebecca Rebouché “The Swarms”
Graphic Design by Maria Jarzyna

Video and Animation by Lembit Beecher

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about

Michelle Ross New York, New York

Michelle Ross is a violinist, composer, and improviser: passionate about music new and old, traversing genres and mediums. A protege of Itzhak Perlman-turned-multidisciplinary collaborator, Michelle is known for her debut album, pop-up project and and blog “Discovering Bach: Complete Sonatas and Partitas of J.S. Bach” and recent collaboration with Jon Batiste on the Grammy nominated “Movement 11.” ... more

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