Page Title
Release date: 29 September 2023
Available to purchase on Bandcamp or stream on all platforms.
When We Speak unveils an enchanting collection of contemporary art music, inviting you to embark on a mesmerizing journey through the realm of imperfection, where beauty thrives in shades of grey and the enigmatic in-between. These compositions resonate deeply with my evolving "dirty-beautiful" aesthetic, embodying a poetic perspective and personal preferences that breathes life into a unique musical language.
At its core, When We Speak is an ode to the allure found within life's ambiguous, transient, and delicate nuances. It revels in the act of dissolving rigid boundaries, like the interplay of light and darkness. From the hauntingly altered harp strings adorned with Blu Tack and honey dippers, to the luminous metallic echoes that float in the air, the emotive and profound cello landscapes, and the poignant clarinet melodies, this album unveils a treasure trove of my most recent chamber compositions—a testament to my artistic journey that fills me with immense pride. I warmly invite you to join me on this sonic adventure.
Album Release: WHEN WE SPEAK
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"Inhabiting the world of human ambiguity and questing after “perfectly imperfect music”, Brisbane-based composer Lisa Cheney has revealed an enquiring mind and well-honed talent in this, her first album of chamber works.”
LIMELIGHT Magazine
The Music
Track List - Total duration: 41’30”
1. Strange Charisma – 8’35”
Performed by: Melina Van Leeuwen (prepared harp) [studio recording]
2. No Distant Place: Mvt 1. Soul’s Eternity – 6’36”
Performed by: Philip Arkinstall (clarinets), Monica Curro (violin) and Stefan Cassomenos (piano) of Plexus. [live performance]
3. No Distant Place: Mvt 2. This is the Test – 4’45”
Performed by: Philip Arkinstall (clarinets), Monica Curro (violin) and Stefan Cassomenos (piano) of Plexus. [live performance]
4. Everything is Illuminated – 9’22”
Performed by: Chris Salvito (percussion), Nicoletta Favari (piano), Joe Rebman (harp), Lili Sarayrah (violin), Alfonso Fernandez (viola), Anne Wybenga (cello), Sam Bobinski (double bass) and conductor Julian Pellicano. [live performance]
5. When We Speak – 12’10”
Performed by: Gemma Kneale (cello) and electroacoustic track [studio recording
Musicians
Melina Van Leeuwen (prepared harp)
Norfolk Chamber Music Festival New Music Ensemble (2016) -
Chris Salvito (percussion), Nicoletta Favari (piano), Joe Rebman (harp),
Lili Sarayrah (violin), Alfonso Noriega (viola), Anne Wybenga (cello),
Sam Bobinski (double bass), Julian Pellicano (conductor)
Gemma Kneale (cell0)
Credits
Music of LISA CHENEY, featuring Melina Van Leeuwen (prepared harp), Plexus, Philip Arkinstall (clarinets), Monica Curro (violin) and Stefan Cassomenos (piano), Chris Salvito (percussion), Nicoletta Favari (piano), Joe Rebman (harp), Lili Sarayrah (violin), Alfonso Noriega (viola), Anne Wybenga (cello), Sam Bobinski (double bass), Julian Pellicano (conductor) and Gemma Kneale (cello).
Strange Charisma and When We Speak were recorded and mixed by Kevan Atkins.
Everything is Illuminated was recorded by at the 2016 Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and mixed by Kevan Atkins.
No Distant Place was recorded by Plexus at Federation Square.
Mastered by Adam Dempsey.
Artwork by Caterina Leone.
Graphic Design by Lisa Cheney.
Video/design on Strange Charisma and When We Speak: Rohan Goldsmith, Lo Vis Films
Lastly, special thanks to the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Plexus ensemble for granting permission to release their recordings.
Thank you to the commissioners of the works: Joseph Rebman, Samantha Wolf, Plexus and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival.
Thank you to Caterina Leone for the beautiful original artwork in response to the music.