Parterre , performed by the Relache ensemble, starts with the whimsical round dances of the winds and the accordion's thin chirping, then relaxes in a subdued march and finally mellows down into the almost parodistic overtones of the coda. Childs indulges herself in melodic counterpoint and intricate dynamics. Her flows of consciousness display the emotional and atmospheric eccentricity of Meredith Monk's songs, minus the human voice. In The Dark and the sonata for two pianos Kilter . Overall, an impressive achievement.
Pieces employ different ensembles, sometimes natural sounds and sometimes the computer.
Poercussions and electronics compete for the front seat. Exotic influences abound, but are hard to pin down. References to flemish polyphony are overt, but far from pedestrian. A broad palette of performing techniques ensures a multiplicity of perspectives that is rare among practicioners of avantgarde music. The CD comes with information about the Logos institution and detailed notes for each piece.