An Ending (Ascent) : An otherworldly symphony of drone and silence explores the depths of human experience.
“An Ending (Ascent),” a masterpiece by composer Pauline Oliveros, stands as a testament to the power of experimental music to transcend conventional boundaries. This hypnotic composition, released in 1985, invites listeners on a profound journey inward, exploring themes of memory, loss, and ultimately, acceptance.
Oliveros, a pioneering figure in the American avant-garde movement, dedicated her life to pushing the limits of sonic experience. Her work often blurred the lines between music, meditation, and ritual, emphasizing the listener’s active role in shaping the sonic landscape. In “An Ending (Ascent),” Oliveros employs a minimal palette of sound: sustained drones generated by synthesizers and electronically processed string instruments intertwine with strategically placed silences, creating an ethereal atmosphere that is both unsettling and profoundly moving.
The piece unfolds slowly, patiently building tension through subtle shifts in timbre and texture. The initial drone, deep and resonant, evokes a sense of vastness and solitude. As the music progresses, high-frequency tones emerge, shimmering like distant stars against the backdrop of the low hum. These delicate sounds, fleeting yet insistent, suggest memories surfacing from the subconscious, fragile remnants of a past life.
The silences that punctuate the piece are not mere absences of sound but rather integral components of the composition. They act as breathers, allowing the listener time to process the preceding sonic textures and delve deeper into the emotional landscape being evoked.
Oliveros’s approach to composition was deeply rooted in her belief in deep listening - a practice that encourages mindful attention to sound, embracing both its obvious and subtle nuances. She believed that music had the power to access hidden layers of consciousness and foster a sense of interconnectedness between individuals and the environment.
In “An Ending (Ascent),” this philosophy is fully realized. The piece’s immersive nature invites listeners to surrender to the sonic flow, allowing themselves to be carried along on a wave of sound and silence.
The piece’s title, “An Ending (Ascent),” speaks volumes about its emotional arc. While “Ending” might suggest closure or finality, it is also an acknowledgment of death as a natural part of life’s cycle. The parentheses enclose “(Ascent)” implying a paradoxical transformation – the transcendence of physical limitations through a spiritual ascension.
The experience of listening to “An Ending (Ascent)” is deeply personal and subjective. Some listeners may find themselves transported to ethereal realms, while others may grapple with feelings of loss and longing. But regardless of individual interpretation, there’s no denying the piece’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and provoke introspection.
It’s worth noting that Oliveros’s experimental approach extended beyond the realm of sound. She was a passionate advocate for inclusivity in music, believing that everyone, regardless of background or musical training, had the potential to experience the transformative power of sound.
This commitment to accessibility is reflected in her work with Deep Listening workshops, which she conducted worldwide, teaching participants how to cultivate awareness and presence through focused listening practices.
Structure and Instrumentation:
“An Ending (Ascent)” employs a minimalist structure, unfolding in a series of gradually evolving sonic textures.
- Drones: Sustained tones produced by synthesizers and electronically processed string instruments create a foundation of deep resonance.
- High-frequency Tones: Delicate shimmering sounds emerge intermittently, evoking images of distant stars or memories surfacing from the subconscious.
- Silence: Strategically placed silences act as breaths within the piece, allowing the listener time to process the preceding textures and delve deeper into the emotional landscape.
Historical Context:
Pauline Oliveros (1932-2016) was an American composer, accordionist, and a leading figure in experimental music and the development of Deep Listening practices.
- Avant-Garde Movement: Oliveros emerged during a period of significant experimentation in music, challenging traditional notions of melody, harmony, and structure.
- Deep Listening: Oliveros’s philosophy emphasized mindful listening as a path to deeper understanding and connection with oneself and the world.
- Electronic Music Pioneer: Her innovative use of electronics expanded the sonic possibilities of musical composition, paving the way for generations of electronic music composers.
Listening Recommendations:
For an optimal listening experience, find a quiet space free from distractions. Close your eyes and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the soundscape. Pay attention not only to the audible elements but also to the silences between them.
Let “An Ending (Ascent)” guide you on a sonic journey inward, exploring the depths of human experience with an open mind and heart.