Critic’s Choice
Photo: Maarit Kytharju/Fimic
Why stop at the coldest February in memory? This Thursday night, at Scandinavia House (appropriately), indulge in an even deeper chill: “Spectral Landscapes,” a concert of music by composer Kaija Saariaho, presented by the New York New Music Ensemble.
None of the music will be frigid, of course; made with strings, winds and skins, with human muscle and breath, the music is inherently warm. But the program’s title does show an emphasis on Saariaho’s exploration of extended sounds and techniques, and most of the pieces on the program—like Tocar, Petals, and Jardin Secret II—combine acoustic instruments with electronic sounds. The predominate color of Saariaho’s palette in these chamber works is an electric blue, which sounds cool but, when transformed into flame, burns.
New York New Music Ensemble plays music by Kaija Saariaho at Scandinavia House 8 p.m. Thursday. nynme.org
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