David Lang is one of the most thoughtful composers working today. His music is consistently probing, emotionally urgent, strange, and beautiful. It is also getting simpler as the years roll on—a sign that the mind behind it is undergoing a kind of ritualistic purification. I’ve been obsessed with David’s music since I bought a recording by mail order of his piece cheating lying stealing when I was in high school, and I have written a piano piece called David Lang Needs a Hug…

works

wed (1992) 5'

piano solo

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works

wed – arr. for brass quintet (2013) 5'

2 trumpets in C, horn in F, trombone, tuba or bass trombone

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works

note to a friend (2023) 60'

chamber opera for a singer and string quartet

baritone with string quartet

Japan Society, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

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works

protect yourself from infection (2020) 6'

SATB

The Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia

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works

spartan arcs (1992) 3'

in memory of Yvar Mikhashoff

solo piano

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works

if i am silent (2019) 8'

SATB

Paul Hillier/Theatre of Voices, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall and Nederlands Kamerkoor

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works

we were (2021) 10'

text by David Lang (after Song of Songs)

solo SSA with chamber choir

co-commissioned by Flagey, Brussels, for Vox Clamantis, Tallinn, Jaan-Eik Tulve, Director; the Crossing, Philadelphia, Donald Nally, Director; and the Fisher Center at Bard College, New York

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