On the Nature of Thingness

The International Contemporary Ensemble made their name by playing the most famous and demanding living composers. But this release is devoted to works by two lesser-known names: percussionist Nathan Davis and the pianist (and group member) Phyllis Chen. Davis’ opening “Ghostlight” displays a rich feel for post-minimalist technique. Chen’s “Hush” and “Chimers” follow, each of which explores the odd resonances of unusual instruments such as a broken music box and chimes. Homing in on that particularity—the “thingness”—of each sound-making object becomes a winning theme of the entire set.