ICE - Abandoned Time (2008)

Abandoned Time is a no holds barred collection of music by some of the most exciting composers writing on today's international scene, performed by the electrifying New York/Chicago based ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) featuring their intrepid guitarist Daniel Lippel.

In recent years the International Contemporary Ensemble has proved itself one of the most adventurous and accomplished groups in new music.

–Steve Smith, New York Times

"The title track on Dan Lippel’s new CD with the International Contemporary Ensemble, Abandoned Time (New Focus), is scored for chamber group—strings, piano, flute, clarinet—so it’s a bit of a shock when his slithering, distorted electric guitar makes its first entrance. Written by young Japanese composer Dai Fujikura, the piece is packed with collar-grabbing stop-start transitions and dissonant strings that deliver choppy unison parts and ominous long tones, but Lippel’s guitar presides over the proceedings whether it’s screaming atop the din or weaving delicately through it. Also a longtime member of the post-rock band Mice Parade, he tackles a strictly modern repertoire on Abandoned Time, backed with sensitivity and verve by members of ICE, a partly local collective that’s emerged as one of the country’s boldest advocates of new music. Lippel plays acoustic guitar on most of the other compositions—by Mario Davidovsky, Kaija Saariaho, Du Yun, and Magnus Lindberg—and they’re just as demanding, filled with jagged lines, blistering rhythms, and explosions of energy."

—Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, November 17, 2008

"The performances of the International Contemporary Ensemble are staggeringly cool. Dai Fujikura's Abandoned Time is a post-rock soundtrack set to the horror movie of the 20th century. Electric guitar, tube amp, the familiar sound of haunting vibraphone chords, and sharp string eruptions inject a physicality into the work. In the same vein, Vicissitudes no. 1 by Du Yun is urgent, yet torn in identity. At first the saxophones rule the ensemble through free jazz, then a steel guitar centers the atmosphere before the percussion finally prevails. Mario Davidovsky's Festino is a playground for string trio members who have always wanted to imitate guitars with their instruments. Most of the piece is light, though somber in mood, with the real guitar leading the ensemble. The final work on the program is Magnus Lindberg's Linea d'ombra. The clarinet and flute are the early leaders, making their presence known with pointed articulations and light leaps and runs. The pitched percussion and guitar often act like an opposing duo. Breathy sounds and breathing are used in the piece's conclusion, and extended flute techniques and multiphonics from the clarinet appear in tasteful locations."

—Lamper, American Record Guide, January/February 2009

Track List:

Dai Fujikura (b. 1977)
1. Abandoned Time *(2004/06)

Mario Davidovsky (b. 1934)
2. Festino (1994)

Kaija Saariaho (b. 1952)
3. Adjö (1982/85)

Du Yun (b. 1977)
4. Vicissitudes No.1 *(2002)

Magnus Lindberg (b. 1958)
5. Linea d'ombra (1981)

* premiere recording

Read more about the CD here.
Read more about International Contemporary Ensemble here.

Download Links:
Part 1
Part 2

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