Exponential Ensemble: Matters of Time

Exponential Ensemble

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About The Album

Matters of Time, Exponential Ensemble’s debut album, features four commissioned works inspired by science. Time and matter are the common elements of all these works, starting with Crown of the Sun by Amy Brandon. The sun has always been instrumental in keeping our daily sense of time, from sunrise to sunset, while making life on earth possible. Inspired by a NASA recording of the sun’s crown, this piece will take you to a unique sonic world made of woodwind multiphonics.

A Dark Matter by Gilad Cohen, inspired by the astrophysics concept of dark matter, is a reminder that the universe is mostly made of matter that we can’t even see or define, very much like our own matters (or worries) that we carry around everyday in our minds. A Dark Matter was also inspired by Gilad Cohen’s own experience of the COVID-19 pandemic; matters that all of humanity can relate to forever. Climate change is a matter of our time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel significantly came to a halt, air pollution decreased and nature slowly took over again; sometimes in the most unusual places.

The Bright Exuberant Silence was inspired by Jared Miller’s experience of standing in the middle of Times Square in the summer of 2020 with just the bright exuberant neons and blooming dandelions as silent companions.

Finally, time and matter are the foundation of the Theory of Relativity by Albert Einstein and also the root of Relative Theory by Robert Paterson; a whimsical work inspired by four important scientists and mathematicians: Blaise Pascal, Albert Einstein, Emmy Noether and Pythagoras. Thank you to all our composers for writing these wonderful and meaningful works. It is with great pride that we present to you our debut album: Matters of Time.

– Pascal Archer, Artistic Director, Exponential Ensemble

About Exponential Ensemble

Founded in 2011 by clarinetist Pascal Archer, Exponential Ensemble is a mixed chamber music collective that comprises New York City’s top-notch performers and teaching artists. Each season the ensemble presents compelling programs that include both classic masterworks and contemporary masterpieces to a variety of audiences. 

Exponential Ensemble’s mission includes commissioning and premiering works by living composers that are inspired by math, science and literacy. Since 2013 they have commissioned more than 50 new works by composers such as Amy Brandon, Jessica Meyer, Jared Miller, Robert Paterson, and Gilad Cohen. They collaborate regularly with the Fordham Composers Program at Lincoln Center’s Fordham University. Other collaborations include new music residencies with the Composers Collective and the Mostly Modern Festival, during which they premiered a variety of works by emerging composers from across the USA. 

Additionally, Exponential Ensemble curates interactive educational programs that use music as a way to connect with school curricula. These programs have been delivered to organizations such as Music for Autism, the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts and in New York City public schools. Past commissions have been made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts, the Composers Guild of New Jersey, the Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning program, and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Exponential Ensemble Roster

Anna Urrey, Flute/Piccolo*
Pascal Archer, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet*
Kemp Jernigan, Oboe/English Horn*
Joshua Butcher, Bassoon*
Nicolee Kuester, Horn+
Alejandro Lopéz-Samamé, Trumpet+
Suliman Tekalli, Violin*
Rubén Rengel, Violin+
Ramón Carrero-Martínez, Viola*
Caleb van der Swaagh, Cello*
Amir Farid, Piano*

*Ensemble member
+Guest

Tracks

1. Crown of the Sun – Amy Brandon

A Dark Matter – Gillad Cohen
2. I. Pensive
3. Il. With a heavy heart"
4. Ill. Dark and heavy
5. IV. A beam of light

The Bright Exuberant Silence – Jared Miller
6. I. Bright, Electric
7. Il. Effervescent
8. Ill. In Slow Motion

Relative Theory – Robert Paterson
9. I. Pascal's Triangle
10. Il. Noether's Theorem
11. Ill. Einstein's Daydream
12. IV. The Hammers of Pythagoras

TOTAL TIME: ca. 74’

Press Quotes