For Your Consideration
Album: Memories of a Shadow
Artist: Chris Votek
Best Contemporary Classical Composition
Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album
Released March 2022 on MicroFest Records
“Memories of a Shadow succeeds with its unusual combination of classic Indian ragas mixed with contemporary forms, an unconventional string ensemble and a high technical level of performance…beautifully wrought, the musical equivalent of a finely carved wooden sculpture…a refined and artful exposition of the emotional potential inherent in string music, masterfully performed - the kind of music you wish would last longer.”
“A creative force”
“Chris Votek is one man fluent in two grand traditions, refracting Indian classical music through the lens of modern Western chamber music. Superbly blending raga melody with early European polyphony, his string quintet Memories of a Shadow is followed by the serene afternoon raga Bhimpalasi perfectly suited to the deep voice of his cello in delightful conversation with Neelamjit Dhillon’s tabla. The composer is one of the world’s few cellists performing in the rare Gayaki-Ang vocal style of Hindustani music”
“Melodies imbued with mysticism and preciousness… Transcendent”
““The entire project is fascinating, mesmerizing, beautiful.””