Lucy Railton: Laments

Lucy Railton will present a new work for solo cello and synthesis, probing the spectral and rhythmic characteristics—and perceptual and physiological effects—of rationally-intoned intervals. The piece is a development of her “Laments” series, drawings on the conventions of the musical and poetic lamentation, initially recorded and released as Lament in Three Parts (Takuroku, 2020). 

This performance is a part of a residency at Blank Forms, in which Railton will develop, refine, and premiere new works. Other events include a collaboration with cellist Jay Campbell at 7:30 pm, and a solo set as part of Blank Forms's Eighth Anniversary party. 

Lucy Railton is a British cellist and composer whose work bridges experimental electronic and electroacoustic practices with the conventions of new music. As a composer-performer, her work often employs a deep consideration of sound and its properties, implementing an array of sound sources—cello and antiquated string instruments, analog and digital synthesizers, drum machines and voice—and explores alternate tuning systems, psychoacoustic phenomena, and timbral control. She has performed in a variety of contexts since graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2008: composed for installations at the Tate Modern and the ICA, collaborated with electronic producers Peter Zinovieff and Beatrice Dillon, interpreted solo and chamber music works by Morton Feldman, Iannis Xenakis, and Catherine Lamb, and appeared on recordings by Ellen Arkbro, Laurel Halo, and many others. She currently performs with Soundwalk Collective and Patti Smith, and Stephen O’Malley and Kali Malone.