By ML94081
13-Jul-2011

Slow and peaceful  

This is the first time I've ever listened to music of Morton Feldman. I was told by an acquaintance that I should start either with his piano music, or with Rothko Chapel. It's unlike anything I have ever listened to.

The music is well-and-truly in the "atonal" camp, and in fact there's nothing remotely approaching a melody until very near the end of Rothko Chapel. Nevertheless there's much to appreciate even if you are someone, like me, who prefers their music to be both tonal and melodical.

Feldman's music -- at least on this album -- is SLOW. It is peaceful, reflective, serene and (at least I found it to be) relaxing. Nevertheless there is enough variation to keep one interested. Like minimalist music, it doesn't really seem to be intended to be listened to closely or intently -- rather, just relax, sit back, read a good book, and lose yourself in this music.

I'm not sure if I'll buy many other Feldman albums -- but if you haven't heard Feldman before, this seems to be a pretty good place to start. It's definitely worth listening to... quietly.
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