Search - Rhys Chatham :: Two Gongs (1971)

NYC has always thrived on its ability to merge glitz with grime, creating products that incorporate both highbrow idealism and raw, gritty experimentation. Composer Chatham's exploration of noise, chaos, composition and calm is in many ways the most direct and passionate musical manifestation of this postmodern way. He has an exceptional ability to bridge the intricacies of classical composition with the kick-in-the-gut wallop of rock 'n' roll. Written in 1971 but with the 1989 recording documented here, "Two Gongs" is ethereal, droning psychedelia, coaxing heavy, overlapping tones out of a pair of Chinese gongs. The instruments buzz and hum, moving in waves from deafening rattles to soft, muted drones.