Realtree’s debut release, Splendor Falls On Everything Around, is a mesmerizing exploration of sound and silence that pushes the boundaries of contemporary composition and improvisation. This quintet, featuring cello, clarinet, cornet, guitar, and laptop, weaves an intricate tapestry of auditory experiences that captivates and challenges the listener.
The brainchild of Noah Ophoven-Baldwin, Splendor Falls stands out as an ambitious project that draws inspiration from Schoenberg’s Verklärte Nacht. These compositions are timer-based miniatures—delicate and precise—each one a microcosm of sound crafted with care and intent. The pieces unfold like trinkets on a shelf, each moment meticulously curated to evoke a sense of wonder and introspection.
One of the most striking features of the album is its emphasis on stillness and silence, which is masterfully balanced with the ensemble’s unique improvisational language. The written material seamlessly transitions into mixed ensemble improvisations, creating uncanny textures and vibrations that feel both organic and otherworldly. The quintet plays with a deep sense of reciprocal listening, allowing the music to breathe and evolve naturally.
Field recordings interspersed throughout the album provide a grounding framework, splitting Splendor Falls into two distinct parts: a polyphonic core piece and an appendix of monophonic works for duos and trios. These recordings, captured in the serene woods of Lake Superior’s South Shore and the urban environment of Minneapolis, add layers of environmental context that enrich the listening experience.
Realtree’s lineup—Carley Olson Kokal on Bb Clarinet, Michelle Kinney on Cello, Patrick Marschke on Laptop, Noah Ophoven-Baldwin on Cornet, and Adam Zahller on Guitar—delivers impeccable performances that highlight their individual talents while blending seamlessly as an ensemble.
Splendor Falls On Everything Around is a remarkable debut that invites listeners into a world of introspective beauty and sonic exploration. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new details and emotional landscapes with each play. For those interested in the realms of experimental and avant-garde music, Realtree’s first release is not to be missed.
Media: cassette, digital.
Visit Public Eyesore Records
Bandcamp URL: https://publiceyesore.bandcamp.com/album/splendor-falls-on-everything-around
