Birmingham Record Company (distributed by NMC Recordings) announce the release of Trace, a new album from composer Maya Verlaak. An experimental composer who consistently challenges conventions, Verlaak finds inspiration for new music in the unique context of each musical situation. The stimulus for each of the six pieces featured on Trace is her own meaningful relationship with each musician.
Because of this deeply personal approach to the composition process every track on this album was recorded in each musician’s home, giving exclusive access to their personal space. This way of working opens up Verlaak’s compositional practice towards new methods, creative solutions and playfulness.
Maya Verlaak (b.1990) is a Belgian composer. She describes her creative process as a ‘scrutinising compositional position’ in which the work is guided by the unique context of each piece. Sharing her creative process is important to her so she develops new notation systems to communicate her concepts. Her compositions are written in such a way that the performers have insight into the compositional process. The music is intended to create space for critical thought; space for the individual listeners and performers to scrutinise the work.
Featured on Bandcamp's list of the Best Contemporary Classical Music, February 2024 ⭐
credits
released February 16, 2024
Mixing and mastering by Assaf Gidron
Paul Zaba - voice, shruti box
Luca Pignata - accordion
Kate Ledger - piano, voice
Kate Halsall - harmonium
Thomas Moore - trombone
Howard Skempton - accordion
Joseph Kudirka - music box, voice
I love the sound world of these works by Eden Lonsdale, and have listened this album constantly since it came out one month ago. Anatomy of Joy is my favorite track. I hope to hear more from this composer. Eric Sather
C. Diab describes “Exit Rumination” as “a sonic exorcism,” and its dark, swelling songs are equal parts catharsis and tension. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 26, 2018