A fascinating take on Morton Feldman’s 1971 work
Manchester Collective’s rendition of Rothko Chapel (and other commissioned pieces) was an immersive journey through colour, sound, and vibration, masterfully curated by Creative Director Rakhi Singh in a concert hall that echoed with form and silence, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The evening began with Arvo Pärt’s ‘Solfeggio,’ a melodic and systematic homage to Feldman, introducing the audience to the thematic depth of the performance. Giacinto Scelsi’s ‘Ave Maria’ followed, a dark and repetitive piece that evolved into an eerie melody, evoking life’s rhythm with medieval undertones.
Isobel Waller-Bridge’s ‘No. 9’ and Katherine Balch’s ‘Songs and Interludes’ drew inspiration from the intricate details of Rothko’s paintings and, surprisingly, Virginia Woolf’s essay, ‘A Room of One’s Own.’ These pieces juxtaposed voices and instruments, creatively employing harmonicas and synchronized incandescent light to complement the colorful cacophony of sounds, culminating in a captivating finale.
Kaija Saariaho’s ‘7 Papillons,’ No.2, captured the birth and flight of a butterfly with dissonant yet clinical precision. Missy Mazzoli’s ‘Vespers for Violin’ introduced a murky electronic texture, reimagining a church service for the contemporary world.
Edmund Finnis’s ‘Blue Divided by Blue’ seamlessly fused visuals and music, with the choir singing a text crafted from Rothko’s painting titles. The strategic use of pauses added depth to the piece, emphasizing its contemplative nature.
The climax of the evening was ‘Rothko Chapel,’ a half-hour of harmonic bliss. The achingly beautiful melody discovered by the solo viola in the final moments provided a satisfying resolution, completing the circle of inspiration for the commissioned pieces with the original.
The collaboration between SANSARA and Manchester Collective was executed with finesse, although the visual aspects, particularly the characteristic spot lamps, occasionally overshadowed some pieces. Nonetheless, the performance was a testament to the collective’s artistic vision and ability to transcend traditional boundaries, leaving the audience spellbound.