While San Diego music fans have had no shortage of options when it comes to rock, hip-hop or singer-songwriters, pickings have been decidedly slim for anyone looking for sounds that are a little more off the beaten path.
On Sunday, Jan. 28, The Athenaeum will take a step toward rectifying that imbalance with the presentation of “Invocations and Evocations” as part of their Noise at the Library series. The concert, which begins at 3 p.m., will feature the Noise Ensemble, which includes Colin McAllister, guitar; Lisa Cella, flute; Morris Palter, percussion; and Christopher Adler, pianist and composer-in-residence. Preceding the performance will be a short lecture on the day’s music, starting at 2:30 p.m.
The group’s name might give some the idea that this will be a loud performance, but rather than volume, Noise addresses the range of sound that will be heard at the concert. Attendees will be treated to an eclectic set list taking in major works by some of the 20th century’s most adventurous composers.
Many of the pieces are inspired by nature, such as John Cage’s “Inlets,” which is played on amplified conch shells. While Cage has composed many musical works, perhaps his most famous is 4’33”, a completely silent piece, which is performed in three parts. While this may seem an odd concept, the “song” has been covered by Frank Zappa as well as The BBC Symphony Orchestra. John Lennon even recorded a tribute to the track, dubbing his “Two Minutes’ Silence.” Fascinatingly, songwriter Mike Batt recorded “A Minute’s Silence” in 2002 and was sued for plagiarism by Cage’s estate, paying a reported six-figure sum in damages.
The playlist also includes two works by composer and clarinetist Evan Ziporyn that evoke the world of nature through music. “Fragrant Forest” is performed on solo piano, and “Speak At-man” is an extended flute solo. Other compositions tackled by Noise will be such minimalist works as Michael Nyman’s “Bell Set No. 1,” which is based on church bell change-ringing, as well as Stuart Saunders Smith’s deconstruction of a pop song, “Notebook.” Finishing up the afternoon’s proceedings will be Alvin Lucier’s “Silver Streetcar for the Orchestra,” a solo percussion piece.
All of Noise’s players are virtuosos, but the group’s MVP is easily pianist Adler. An associate professor of composition at the University of San Diego, Adler is well known among fans of improvisational music, fronting his own Christopher Adler Trio as well as being a key member in another three-member combo, Gunther’s Grass. At this performance he will concentrate on piano, though he is revered for his work on the khaen, a free-reed mouth organ native to Thailand. Since 2000, he has released five albums and appears on numerous compilations or as a session player with the likes of percussionist Nathan Hubbard.
Also notable is guitarist McAllister. Known locally for his work in the duo Synergy, he has written two books on the artistry of the guitar as well as recorded an album, “Solos and Duos for Guitars,” though his biggest impact is likely as director of the guitar program at UCSD. At home playing music of all types, McAllister tackles baroque, electroacoustics and chamber music. He even includes music in his solo repertoire by local composers, including Steve Reich and Adler.
Although this concert will not be for everyone, music listeners intrigued by the possibilities of sound and instrumentation will find much to admire from both the performers and the chosen pieces. If the opportunity to expand your musical horizon is an appealing prospect, than the Noise Ensemble’s challenging but entertaining program promises to be a treat for the senses.
The Athenaeum is located at 1008 Wall St. For tickets and information, call (858) 454-5872.
