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La Crosse New Music Festival

Concert 4: Space

JJ Pearse coaches UWL Student Performers and friends performing John Luther Adams’ Inuksuit.

About tonight’s piece

"Inuksuit" by John Luther Adams is a unique work of outdoor music, designed for anywhere from 9 to 99 percussionists who are dispersed throughout a large open space. Created in 2009, this piece is inspired by the Inuit inuksuk, which are stone markers that serve as navigational aids in the Arctic landscape. The word "inuksuit" means "to act in the capacity of the human."

Overview of the Work

"Inuksuit" is less of a traditional composition and more an immersive, environmental experience that invites both performers and audience members to engage with their surroundings in a new way. Unlike traditional concerts, this piece does not use a conventional stage setup, and the audience is free to move around, exploring the soundscape created by the musicians from various vantage points.

Instrumentation and Setup

The piece utilizes a wide array of percussion instruments, ranging from conch shells and drums to cymbals and sirens, creating both natural and industrial sounds. These instruments are arranged in clusters throughout the performance space, often incorporating the specific acoustics and natural characteristics of the location.

Structure and Form

"Inuksuit" is structured in a series of phases, or loosely defined sections, that shift from quieter, gentler sounds at the beginning to a more intense climax, then eventually fading back to silence. The performers are instructed to listen to each other and to their environment, adapting the timing and dynamics of their playing. This organic, fluid approach allows the performance to reflect the environment's own sounds and rhythms.

Themes and Inspirations

Adams was deeply influenced by the Alaskan landscape, particularly its isolation and vastness. He wanted to compose a piece that reflects humanity’s connection to nature, focusing on environmental awareness and contemplation. "Inuksuit" encourages a reflection on the beauty, fragility, and resilience of the natural world, making it a profound, meditative experience for both performers and listeners.

Reception and Legacy

Since its premiere, "Inuksuit" has been performed in diverse environments worldwide, from forests and parks to urban rooftops. Each performance is unique, as the natural sounds of the environment (such as wind, birdsong, or even traffic) blend with the music, creating a site-specific, unrepeatable experience. This piece has been acclaimed for its innovation in combining music and nature, and it has inspired a broader movement towards environmental compositions within the contemporary music world.

"Inuksuit" is not just a piece of music; it is an experience of place, memory, and environment, reminding us of our own place within the natural world.

 

When

Past occurrences (1)

  • 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Where

Annett Recital Hall, 152 Lowe Center for the Arts

UWL campus map for building location and nearby parking lots.

University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Lowe Center for the Arts

Contact

For questions about this event or to request disability accommodations , contact David Bashaw at 608.785.8409 or dbashaw@uwlax.edu.

Parking

Payment may be required. No permit?
Use Passport Parking.

Additional parking info
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