'Death Speaks' with Narong Prangcharoen

By Sascha Groschang,

Published October 8, 2024 at 9:45 AM CDT

This week on Sound Currents, explore the concept of transition. The only constant that we can count on in this world is change, and we'll navigate the murky waters of this transition between life and death with guest Narong Prangcharoen.

The liminal space between life and death has affected and inspired composers in a myriad of ways. We'll explore that space, along with the concept of change, on this week's episode of Sound Currents.

This week's guest is composer Narong Prangcharoen.

Be sure to answer this week's "favorite piece" poll down below and check out an online exclusive: Into the Clouds by Julia Wolfe.

Hosts
Sascha Groschang
Laurel Parks

Guest
Narong Prangcharoen, composer

Program
Between Heaven and Earth
by Narong Prangcharoen
Jonathan Borja and Christopher Janwong McKiggan

Funeral Music (Black Rain)
by Toru Takemitsu
Moscow Soloists

The Four Quarters: IV. The Twenty-Fifth Hour
by Thomas Ades
Calder Quartet

Ascent
by Meredith Monk
Heather J. Buchanan Vocal Ensemble; Todd Reynolds Quartet

Loss
by Eleni Karaindrou
Eleni Karaindrou with Sokratis Sinopoulos Quartet, Constantinoble Lute and Constantinoble Lyra

Death Speaks: No. 2. I Hear You
by David Lang
Shara Worden - vocals, Bryce Dessner - guitar, Owen Pallett - violin, Nico Muhly - piano, Maya Beiser - cello

Bonus Content

Enjoy a bonus piece: Julia Wolfe's 'Into the Clouds' performed by Bang on a Can All-Stars & Gong Linna. Hear Sascha and Laurel's thoughts on this piece as well as the future of classical music - do you think that it needs a pop music spin to survive into the future?

Did any pieces we included this week stand out to you?
Let us know using the form below!