Pianist Mina Gajić and electro-acoustic violinist Zachary Carrettin have built a reputation as classically-trained musicians and the creative minds behind Colorado’s Boulder Bach Festival. Recently, this pair has applied their talents to reimagining the works of celebrated musical luminaries J.S. Bach and John Cage in the album 'Bach UnCaged'.
The project was not just a solely auditory work of art but an audiovisual experience that was conceived in tandem with contemporary and aerial dancers who created original choreographies for the tracks on the album. Gajić has spoken at length about how the dance troupe’s performances influenced the album’s sound, leading to spontaneous improvisation and reinterpretations based on their movements.
This spontaneous approach is consistent with both Bach and Cage’s inventive approach to music throughout their careers. Both Bach and Cage were masters of improvisation. Bach’s approach relied on more conventional tools such as pipe organs, while Cage’s approach defined the essence of avant-garde music through the use of objects as diverse as plants and conch shells for musical purposes.
Gajić and Carrettin’s interpretations of their work were also guided by the distinctive personal philosophies and spirituality that guided Bach and Cage. From the influence of Lutheran beliefs and music on Bach to Cage’s Zen-influenced musical meditations, 'Bach UnCaged' alternates between Cage and Bach while maintaining a meditative atmosphere.
Carrettin is no stranger to performing the works of Bach, as evidenced by his aforementioned position as a music director of the Boulder Bach Festival, as well as his work as a soloist with American Bach Soloists, Ars Lyrica, and numerous other notable baroque music ensembles. His electric violin sound uses effects pedals to bring a new perspective to time-tested compositions from Bach. In the same vein, Gajić’s extensive background as a concert pianist has showcased her eclectic repertoire of music, including recordings ranging from Schubert sonatas to traditional Balkan folk songs. Her methods for interpreting the works of John Cage include careful study of Cage’s piano “preparations,” the nuts and bolts wedged between piano strings, creating a distinctive and unforgettable sound. The audio fidelity in this recording captures the exotic resonances of the prepared piano and the distinctive sound of the electric violin.
Both avid classical music aficionados and listeners with exploratory musical tastes are likely to enjoy 'Bach UnCaged'. It is an expressive musical album and an example of the possibilities that arise when reinterpreting well-known pieces from recognized composers. Anyone interested in widening their musical horizons will benefit from the continued emergence of musical projects such as 'Bach UnCaged' in the future, with more and more new artists putting their spins on beloved classics.
Stay tuned to Mina and Zachary's socials below to stay on the forefront of soothing classical music.
