On the Nature of Thingness

On the Nature of Thingness

The International Contemporary Ensemble made their name by playing the most famous and demanding living composers. But this release is devoted to works by two lesser-known names: percussionist Nathan Davis and the pianist (and group member) Phyllis Chen. Davis’ opening “Ghostlight” displays a rich feel for post-minimalist technique. Chen’s “Hush” and “Chimers” follow, each of which explores the odd resonances of unusual instruments such as a broken music box and chimes. Homing in on that particularity—the “thingness”—of each sound-making object becomes a winning theme of the entire set.