Marianne Nowottny | Springtime of Desire (Contemporary Solos for the Chinese Zither)

Description

Springtime of Desire serves as a vital document of what happens when a prodigiously talented young artist invents her own alternative musical histories. Rather than echoing established genres, Nowottny constructs a singular sonic universe where free-form improvisation merge into a raw intimate tapestry. Central to the album’s atmosphere is Nowottny’s use of the Zheng, a traditional Chinese zither with a history spanning over two millennia. Characterized by its arched wooden soundboard, movable bridges, and plucked strings, the instrument yields a sound that is both dramatically resonant and capable of delicate microtonal bends. In Nowottny’s hands, however, the Zheng is liberated from historical orthodoxy; she approaches its ancient frame with an avant-garde sensibility, coaxing out shimmering glissandos, percussive scrapes, and ghostly resonances. Tracked across live radio broadcasts at Princeton’s legendary WPRB FM and intimate performances at Pianos in NYC’s Lower East Side.

Track Listing

1. Dragonflies In The Rain (4:41)
2. A Finely Crafted Bow (3:51)
3. Springtime Of Desire (7:14)
4. Many Little Flowers (8:23)
5. Demon of Jealousy Appears In A Dream (4:51)