In this session, the artist Meredith Monk presents an excerpt from her latest work, »Cellular Songs« – recorded live in the Elbphilharmonie Recital Hall.
The Artist
New Yorker native Meredith Monk is an artist of the senses. Her mostly scenic productions are hard to categorise – they alternate between singing, theatre, dance, installation and performance. Monk often stands on stage with her »Vocal Ensemble« and moves the audience with her dreamlike performance, which sometimes seems almost childish, but profound at the same time.
The Music
In »Happy woman«, a short a cappella piece, Meredith Monk steps alone into the spotlight and accompanies us through a variety of human characteristics and emotions that she underlines with expressive arm movements. The song is part of her programme »Cellular Songs«, where she focuses her glance on the smallest of all living organisms – »a deeply moving meditation on the nature of the biological cell as a metaphor for human society«, writes the Financial Times. The scenes that Monk acts together with the members of her vocal ensemble are at one and the same time both playful and profound.
The Location
With its undulating oak panelling and 550 seats, the Elbphilharmonie Recital Hall provides an intimate atmosphere and a warm sound. Unlike the Grand Hall, the room has a classic rectangular »shoebox shape«, and can be adapted for different uses.
About the series
Artists record exclusive music videos at the Elbphilharmonie and the Laeiszhalle for Elbphilharmonie Sessions – sometimes in unusual locations offstage. Discover the concert halls from the inside. Discover what they sound like.
Text: Anastasia Päßler, Stand: 25.2.2020
