Chatter, Dialogue team up for ‘Discourses’
Performance will include pieces by minimalist composer Steve Reich
Chatter has long prided itself on taking left turns on red lights, combining various venues with multiple art forms.
Beginning Tuesday, this intrepid group of musicians will perform a series of concerts at Dialogue Brewing paired with artwork by Meow Wolf artists Lance Ryan McGoldrick and David Cudney.
“Our name’s Chatter; their name’s Dialogue, so how amazing is that?” violinist David Felberg said.
Their opening “Discourse” performance starts with a series of solo works, starting with the music of minimalist pioneer Steve Reich in “Cello Counterpoint” and “Vermont Counterpoint.”
“You’re playing with a (recorded) set of 12 flutes,” Felberg said. “The interaction with the recording and the live flute, that’s really amazing.”
Discourse 2 (May 29) highlights string quartets with George Crumb’s “Black Angels for Amplified Quartet.”
“It’s a pretty eerie piece he’s written as a reaction to the Vietnam War,” Felberg said.
At one point, the musicians play bowed wine glasses pitched with water.
“There are also instances where we play with sewing needles and sewing thimbles,” Felberg said. “And it’s all amplified. It’s a real classic of the 20th century.”
Discourse 3 (June 5) stars a wind quintet with clarinetist James Shields. The music includes “Breathless for Wind Quintet” by Pulitzer Prizewinning composer David Lang.
The visual art will mirror the music, Felberg said.
“They’re going to do an installation that’s going to grow over time. It’s an all-inclusive creative event.”