An Ending (Ascent) - A Haunting Tapestry of Drone and musique concrète
“An Ending (Ascent)” by composer Lawrence Young stands as a testament to the boundless creativity within experimental music, weaving together haunting drones and fragmented soundscapes reminiscent of musique concrète. Released in 1983 as part of the seminal album “The Last Wave,” this piece has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the minimalist and ambient genre.
Young’s work, often characterized by extended durations and subtle shifts in texture, transcends traditional musical structures. In “An Ending (Ascent),” he utilizes sustained synthesizer tones to create a dense, ethereal atmosphere. These drones, reminiscent of Tibetan singing bowls, pulsate with a hypnotic energy that envelops the listener. Interwoven within this sonic tapestry are snippets of manipulated field recordings, adding an element of unpredictability and organic texture.
The origins of “An Ending (Ascent)” can be traced back to Young’s fascination with minimalist composers like La Monte Young and Terry Riley. Their pioneering work with extended durations and subtle variations greatly influenced his approach. Young also drew inspiration from musique concrète, a movement pioneered by Pierre Schaeffer that utilized recorded sounds as the primary building blocks of composition.
“An Ending (Ascent)” exemplifies the core tenets of musique concrète. Young meticulously sculpts and reassembles fragments of sound, creating unexpected juxtapositions and a sense of otherworldly dislocation. He manipulates the timbre and pitch of these found sounds, transforming everyday noises into eerie, abstract textures.
| Musical Elements in “An Ending (Ascent)” | Description |
|---|---|
| Drones | Sustained synthesizer tones create a foundation of deep resonance |
| Musique Concrète | Manipulated field recordings introduce unexpected sounds and textures |
| Minimalism | Subtle variations in volume and timbre occur over extended durations |
| Ambient Music | The piece creates an immersive sonic environment that invites contemplation |
Historical Context and Lawrence Young:
Lawrence Young, a British composer born in 1948, emerged as a prominent figure in the experimental music scene during the late 20th century. His work often blurred the lines between traditional genres, incorporating elements of minimalism, ambient music, and avant-garde electronic composition.
Young’s interest in sound exploration began at an early age. He was captivated by the possibilities of manipulating electronic instruments to create unique sonic landscapes. His experimentation with tape loops and synthesizers led him to develop a distinctive style characterized by extended durations, subtle shifts in texture, and an emphasis on atmosphere.
Young’s music often evokes a sense of stillness and contemplation, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a world of sound devoid of traditional melodies or rhythms. He believed that music had the power to transcend language and cultural boundaries, connecting listeners on a primal level through shared sensory experiences.
Experiencing “An Ending (Ascent)”: A Journey into Sonic Textures:
Listening to “An Ending (Ascent)” is akin to embarking on a sonic journey into unknown territories. The piece begins with a wash of deep, droning synthesizer tones that slowly unfold over time. These drones evoke a sense of vastness and mystery, reminiscent of the endless expanse of the cosmos.
Gradually, fragmented sounds begin to emerge from the sonic mist—the clatter of metal, the distant rumble of thunder, the chirping of birds. These elements are manipulated and layered upon one another, creating an ever-shifting tapestry of sound.
As the piece progresses, the drones seem to rise and fall in intensity, creating a sense of gentle movement and undulation. The fragmented sounds become more prominent, weaving in and out of the drone landscape like fleeting shadows.
The overall effect is both mesmerizing and unsettling. “An Ending (Ascent)” invites us to let go of our preconceived notions about music and embrace the pure experience of sound. It is a piece that rewards careful listening and invites repeated exploration, revealing new layers of detail with each encounter.
Legacy and Influence:
“An Ending (Ascent)” continues to be celebrated as a landmark achievement in experimental music. Young’s innovative use of drones and musique concrète techniques has influenced countless artists in the decades since its release. The piece has become a touchstone for composers seeking to push the boundaries of sonic exploration and create immersive sound experiences that transcend conventional musical norms.
For those willing to embark on this sonic adventure, “An Ending (Ascent)” promises a deeply rewarding experience—a journey into the heart of experimental music’s boundless creativity and sonic innovation.