Crossing Choir’s New York Concert Inspires Audience to Engage with Immanuel Kant’s Philosophies

The Crossing, a prominent choral ensemble based in Philadelphia, recently showcased its innovative approach to music at a series of summer concerts. Founded and directed by Donald Nally, this Grammy Award-winning choir has established a reputation for exploring the musical dimensions of historical and philosophical themes through contemporary compositions.

One of the highlights of their recent concert series was the premiere of David Lang’s new work, poor hymnal, which the choir has recorded and released. Lang, a celebrated composer, drew inspiration from his extensive collection of traditional church hymnals, artfully blending the old with the modern to present a new artistic vision. Additionally, Gavin Bryars’ The Last Days of Immanuel Kant, premiered on June 14, presented a thoughtful exploration of the final days of the Enlightenment philosopher. The piece engages with Kant’s reflections on aging, utilizing texts from Thomas De Quincey to enhance the narrative’s emotional depth.

During the previous week, The Crossing recorded Aaron Helgeson’s The Book of Never, another ambitious project that reflects the group’s commitment to unique historical contexts. Helgeson’s composition is inspired by a psalm book from 999 A.D. from Novgorod, a city known for its Viking heritage. This work promises to be one of the more challenging and inventive pieces in The Crossing’s repertoire, featuring a dramatic range of soundscapes that mirror a complex, apocalyptic vision described in its source material.

The Friday concert at St. Peter’s Church featured excerpts from Bryars’ work alongside a full rendition of Helgeson’s piece, both of which received an enthusiastic response from the nearly full audience. Bryars, now 82, is known for his conceptual artistry and innovative use of found sounds, and his recent compositions reflect a profound introspection that contrasts sharply with his earlier, more avant-garde endeavors.

Helgeson’s The Book of Never stood out as a substantial work within the concert, employing various sound collages that oscillate between frenetic energy and haunting beauty. The performance captures a sense of despair and alienation, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences navigating their own challenges in an increasingly tumultuous world.

In contrast, Lang’s poor hymnal offers a more introspective and heartfelt exploration of social responsibility, inviting listeners to reflect on complex moral questions while delivering a richly fragmented sonic experience. As the choir prepares to release their recording of this performance in the upcoming year, the anticipation continues to grow.

Looking ahead, The Crossing has plans for a diverse concert season that will span locations from Hershey to Boston and New York, solidifying their position as a pivotal force in contemporary choral music. Audiences can expect to encounter both familiar and emerging composers as the choir continues to expand its repertoire and artistic vision.

As The Crossing navigates through both history and modernity in its performances, it remains committed to delivering poignant, meaningful musical experiences. This dedication assures that both established and new audiences will become increasingly familiar with the innovative works of contemporary composers.

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