As a composer—and as a father of twins—Jan Martin Smørdal (OM 28) is occupied with thoughts about chaos, layers of rhythms, and the inevitability of humans as social beings. His works span from solo works to pieces for orchestra, choir, and installations. In recent years his music has been inspired by topics or phenomena like emergence, swarm behavior, and patterns found in flocks in nature. Smørdal on Choosing to Sing: "This is a composition for Ensemble neoN, with the inclusion of the outstanding trumpeter Eivind Lønning. Based on scores and instructions I have created a huge catalog from which this music was (again) composed. The result is a work in 2 parts, each in 4 segments, spanning from the most intimate nothing to close-to-white-noise everything. The music explores the ever changing (s)pace found in both repetition, and in reaction. But the process of creating this music has also made me aware of the seemingly lack of order that is necessary for something to emerge as meaningful."

Label: SOFA
Catalog No: SOFA579

Track Listing

1. React
2. Choosing to Sing
3. Response
4. Call I
5. Choosing to sing II
6. Call II
7. React II
8. Call, but response
9. Call III (bonus)