Flutist Claire Chase embarked on a herculean project a few years ago – to expand the repertoire for flute by commissioning nearly 100 new works over 24 years. She calls the project Density 2036. It’s inspired by a four-minute paradigm-shifting piece for solo flute by Edgard Varèse, Density 21.5, that has fascinated Chase since childhood. For the project, Chase is determined to create an entirely new program for flute each year, ending in 2036, the centennial of Varèse’s work.
For the project, Chase is determined to create an entirely new program for flute each year, ending in 2036, the centennial of Varèse’s work. Her intent is to “reimagine solo flute literature over a quarter-century through commissions, performances, and recordings.” She’s at the midpoint of the project, and there are already new compositions by Terry Riley, Pamela Z, Vijay Iyer, Liza Lim and many others. Chase will perform a world premiere by Annea Lockwood on Dec. 11 at The Kitchen in New York City to close out the current year.
In this episode of Classical Gas, a podcast series created by radio host and producer Gail Wein and hosted by Classical Voice North America, Chase talks with Wein about the special properties of a flute made of platinum, what she still doesn’t know about her own instrument, how she chooses composers to commission for Density 2036, the non-profit organization she created called Density Arts, and more.
Wein recently launched Classical Gas with a look back at the challenging art of Charles Ives, who has been the subject of sesquicentennial celebrations.
Wein said she chose the name Classical Gas because of its multiple implications: “Gas could be fuel or fun. It’s also a subtle reference to those of us of a certain age who recall the 1970s earworm guitar instrumental by Mason Williams.”
The veteran New York-based music journalist, radio host, and media consultant has contributed valuable commentary on NPR and other media outlets while also writing for Classical Voice North America. Find Wein’s Classical Gas podcasts here. Find Wein’s essays and reviews for Classical Voice North America here.
