The Relache Chronicles
THE RELACHE CHRONICLES is a podcast about musicians residing in what we call “the Margins of American Music.” In these 30-to-45-minute episodes, we’ll play recordings – primarily by The Relache Ensemble from Philadelphia - of complete musical works plus commentary by composers, performers, and others with insight to the music. Throughout the podcast, we’ll discuss the guest composers’ processes, how they utilized current and past technologies and how the acoustical properties of a given space informed the creation and performance of a musical work. Finally, we will discuss how the composers’ relationship with the musicians brought the music to life. Episodes feature music by John Cage, Robert Ashley, Joe Kasinskas, Pauline Oliveros, Guy Klucevsek, Eve Beglarian, Fred Ho, Phill Niblock, Romulus Franceschini, Bill Duckworth, Lois v Vierk, and an overview of the New Music America Festival 1987 - Philadelphia, and the expansive residency/performance project named Music in Motion. THE RELACHE CHRONICLES is produced, directed, and edited, by Arthur Stidfole with Joseph Franklin, Joe Kasinskas, and Arthur Sabatini. Throughout their careers, they have been performing musicians, composers, executive and artistic directors, university teachers, radio hosts and authors, dedicated to the music of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Relache Chronicles
Episode Twenty Two - Mary Ellen Childs
Among the many composers to write music for the Relache Ensemble, Mary Ellen Childs has been one of the more active collaborators. The first of her compositions for Relache is named “Parterre.” It became a prominent part of Relache’s touring programs and was commercially recorded for the Minnesota Composers forum label. (You can hear it on Episode 18, Music in Motion Part Two.) Another work, and the featured composition on this episode is titled “Carte Blanche.” It was commissioned by Relache with funds from Champaigne Taittinger and premiered on the “Taittinger Evening of American Music” program in New York City and Philadelphia that was developed by Drew Keegan, then the Director of Marketing for Relache. In addition to a complete recorded performance by Relache of “Carte Blanche,” you will hear conversations with Mary Ellen and Drew about their work and years with the Relache Ensemble. Don't forget to check out our website at: www.relachechronicles.org and Mary Ellen Childs' website at: maryellenchilds.com.
