The double bass solo and its recordings are the earth and the ground for this piece. The ensemble is divided into small groups which interact with each other. There is something illusionary and ephemeral about their interaction as the groupings change, appearing, disappearing, and reappearing, as if moved by invisible forces. These same invisible and seemingly random forces create pockets in time where the whole ensemble and double bass cohere into clear lacunes of understanding and resonance. In these endangered, poignant moments of cohesion, the ensemble is one body, a shapeshifting piece where things shine through or cover and block each other in an ever-changing field of listening. 

Chaya Czernowin

The publisher of Seltene Erde: alchimia communicationis by Chaya Czernowin is Schott Music GmbH & Co. KG.