Meredith Monk and her vocal ensemble present "Songs of Ascension," their most recent work, composed in 2008. Unlike her earlier compositions, which consisted of collages or individual episodes, this is a continuous piece. Monk has recently focused more on orchestral and chamber music forms and now collaborates with a New York string quartet specializing in contemporary music. The recording unites not only the exceptional singers but also wind instruments, percussion, and two separate vocal groups, resulting in one of Monk's most musically complex projects. A rare balance exists between voice and instruments. "Songs of Ascension" was inspired, among other things, by the so-called "Song of Ascension," a series of psalms supposedly sung by pilgrims on their journeys, and by an invitation to perform the work in the eight-story tower of the artist Ann Hamilton. In this album, Monk explores the manifold musical, sonic, metaphysical, and literal meanings of ascent.
"As Monk searches for her place in the classical music world, classical music can learn a great deal from her."
– Alex Ross, The New Yorker