before and after nature
words and music by David Lang
video and projections by Tal Rosner
performed by the Bang on a Can All-Stars with SATB chorus
duration: 60 minutes

Lead Commissioner: Stanford Live
CURRENTLY SEEKING CO-COMMISSIONERS

Based very loosely on things I have thought about after reading the books ‘The End of Nature’ by Bill McKibben and ‘After Nature’ by Jedidiah Purdy, my piece will look at different ways to define and understand nature, now that it has been forever changed by human behavior.

The piece will be composed for SATB chorus and the Bang on a Can All-Stars, with music and text by me, and it will have video and projections by Tal Rosner.  It is meant to be a complete evening in itself and it will last approximately 60 minutes.

— David Lang

Production
The work will be performed by the Bang on a Can All-Stars (amplified chamber sextet) with SATB choir. We are looking to engage with professional choirs, high-level amateur choirs, and high-level University Choirs. The choir may range in size, but a 24-voice chorus is optimal; larger choirs of 28-40 are welcome; larger number of voices can be considered upon request.

Tech
We will have a standard stage-plot for ensemble, chorus, and projections. There currently are no specs on the projection, but the concert will be easy to mount with one projector (laptop source; projection surface tba). A projection-operator may be needed.

Rehearsal
Rehearsal time will depend partly on the choir, but likely a minimum of two 3-hour rehearsals, plus a dress rehearsal.

Company
For this work we plan on a touring company of nine: 6 musicians, 1 sound engineer, 1 video/lighting supervisor, and 1 tour manager. Ideally, composer David Lang is invited (independently or case by case). We require min 10 r/t airfare for the 9 Company members listed above plus 1 cello.

Artist and creative director Tal Rosner works closely with musicians, theatre makers and fashion brands – combining multiple layers of sound and visuals to create video installations and live performances.

The scope of his output covers a uniquely wide spectrum: from world leading orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, via rock and pop legends Rolling Stones and the Commonwealth Games, to leading fashion houses Louis Vuitton and Marni. His musical eye has earned him a spotlight on the international stage for video design, as well as critical acclaim for his distinctive approach to rhythm and color.

David Lang is one of the most highly esteemed and performed American composers writing today. His works have been performed around the world in most of the great concert halls.

Lang’s simple song #3, written as part of his score for Paolo Sorrentino’s acclaimed film YOUTH, received awards nominations for Best Original Song including the Academy Award and Golden Globe. Lang’s 2007 work, the little match girl passion, won the Pulitzer Prize for Music.