eighth blackbird

“The Only Moving Thing” is the motto of the very lively programme offered by Chicago-based ensemble eighth blackbird. Combining extreme virtuosity with dramatic physicality and a strong stage presence, the ensemble’s unusual performance style brings new music to a more general public. “The Only Moving Thing” presents new works by Steve Reich, David Lang, Michael Gordon, and Julia Wolfe.

Steve Reich’s Double Sextet was commissioned by eighth blackbird. Similar to some of the composer’s major works, e.g. Music for 18 Musicians or Drumming, the piece is characterized by extreme rhythmic intensity. Double Sextet contains two identical sextets, each of which is comprised of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, vibraphone and piano. Multiple contrapuntal and interlocking effects produce arresting and yet continually changing musical patterns and great timbral variety. As with the famous Different Trains, this piece also offers the possibility of having musicians play against a recording of themselves.

Singing in the dead of night is a collaborative work by Michael Gordon, David Lang and Julia Wolfe – co-founders of the organisation Bang on a Can – and choreographer Susan Marshall. The artists composed separate pieces of music which can be played together or one after the other, with or without physical movement.