The Voice of a Banshee
by bassoongurl
Meredith Monk is an American composer, choreographer, filmmaker, and performer. Her voice can be described as a combination between Regina Skeptor, Bjork and Joanna Newsome. Her extended technique range and ability to compose music that tells a story by using the voice as an instrument.
One of my favorite pieces by her is the titled Dolmen Music Part II. It encompasses six voices, cello and percussion. It begins with a cello, playing the same two long notes yet it later accompanied by six voices carying both different harmoies and melodies, that is incorporated from music styles from all over the world. The technique of using thier voice as instruments is shown through out this piece of music especially. Five minutes into the song men voices enter. They sing a tune resembling a hymn sung by ancient monks they then yodel at parts. It is truly amazing that someone can compose such a unique piece of music . Dolmen Music is unlike anything I’ve hard before.
It was first recorded 1979 but truly brings a futuristic aspect to music at the time. She “expands the boundaries of musical composition, creating landscapes of sound that unearth feelings, energies, and memories for which we have no words.” She is truly a magician of the voice.
