William Basinski
Silent Night

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What their label says...

Very tranquil, somnolent ambient meditation, 60 min. Composed using the Voyetra 8 synthesizer. In clear plastic sleeve with ink jet printed folder featuring a drawing by James Elaine.

It's not a coincidence that I first listened to "Silent night" on Christmas day, since this is intended to be a "somnolent meditation" about the birth of Jesus, as told by William himself. Completely conceived on the Voyetra synthesizer, it's a delicate cross of gentle intertwining melodies and cricket-like frequencies that instantly caress the nerves, inducing a state of relaxation and serenity. When compared to other Basinski's milestones, it is also a less dramatic piece but its significance - in a world where no one cares about the others anymore - is extremely deep nonetheless. The synth notes are just like children chanting carols: sincere and comprehensible without hidden ends, while the accompanying "crickets" remain alone for the final 15 minutes or so, leaving everything just suspended in the air. If I confessed you that I almost cry each and every time I watch - and listen to - "A Charlie Brown Christmas", then you will forgive me when I tell you that William's records, so different yet so near to that in their purity of intents, always manage to strike a nerve, one way or another, in my very soul. -- Massimo Ricci, touchingextremes.org