Dixon Place Hosts: Illuminations Erik Friedlander
About This Show
ILLUMINATIONS, cellist Erik Friedlander’s latest solo release was inspired by an exhibition of ancient books hosted by the Jewish Museum in New York City. The exhibit brought together ancient illuminated texts in Arabic, Latin and Hebrew. “I found myself in this darkened room surrounded by these gorgeous books and manuscripts that seemed to be talking to me,” says Friedlander. “They were telling me a story of patience and craft, ritual and dedication that was inspiring.”
ILLUMINATIONS weaves inspirations from ancient book making with ritual dance movements and Renaissance vocal forms. The listener may sometimes feel they are hearing a lute or a gamba.
Says Friedlander, “I’m always trying to tell a story with my playing and in ILLUMINATIONS it’s all about a world that’s lit by candles and has the smell of leather and parchment.”
About Artist
Cellist Erik Friedlander is a composer, an improviser, and a veteran of NYC’s Downtown scene. Friedlander started studying music at an early age, beginning at 5 with guitar, and then at 8, cello lessons. Erik spent his twenties honing his skills as a player and an improviser and quickly became a sought after studio musician, performing on 100s of cds. New work continues with recording projects with The Mountain Goats and John Zorn. Friedlander’s recent recordings are diverse: Nighthawks, a cd that was conceived during the blackout in lower Manhattan caused by Hurricane Sandy. Claws & Wings, the elegiac work dedicated to Erik’s late wife, featuring laptop percussionist Ikue Mori and pianist Sylvie Courvoisier; and a limited edition LP with photographer Mitch Epstein entitled American Power.
Sunday Apr. 26 at 7pm
General Admission
$12 in advance
$15 at the door
Free CD with Admission
65 mins
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