DESCRIPTION:
Coptic Light, for orchestra (1985)

Deutsches Symphonie - Orchester Berlin
Michael Morgan

Morton Feldman's Coptic Light is the last of the composer's works for orchestra. Feldman noted that the work was inspired by Middle Eastern textiles, which he found particularly notable not only for their visual intricacy, but also for the way they encapsulated their time and place. Coptic Light is a study in complex, subtly changing patterns that makes abundant use of Feldman's characteristic exquisite sense of color. As with much of Feldman's work, the musical discourse is centered around timbre and sonority more than rhythm or melody. As the work progresses, patterns from various instrumental groups emerge with increasing distinction from a dense cloud of numerous layers. At a half hour in length, Coptic Light is uncharacteristically modest in scope among Feldman's late works. [allmusic.com]

Art by Andrew Bick