for TTBB ensemble and electronics
 
the air is full
Nicholas Cline’s the air is full is an incredible piece that merges electronic and vocal sounds into a singular experiential soundscape. The crux of this work’s success is transitions and timing with the electronic elements. It’s important to treat the electronic sounds as a unique vocal element and give them the same attention, care, and space as one of your singers.
Equally important is giving attention to the source poetry.Though there isn’t any text to this work, the chosen vowel sounds are deconstructions of the Wendell Berry poem from which Cline takes inspiration.
 
Pay careful attention to the composer’s instructions and the music will begin to come alive.
 
 
NICHOLAS CLINE
I make music for voices, acoustic instruments, and by electroacoustic means. Deeply influenced by the natural world, my music draws on a broad range of subjects and experiences with the belief that music reveals, challenges, and shapes the listener’s understanding of the world. Upcoming projects include collaborating with The Crossing in a performance and recording of my work, Watersheds, for 24 voices, tenor saxophone, and live electronics.
 
My music has been performed by Spektral Quartet, International Contemporary Ensemble, Ensemble VONK, Bienen Contemporary/Early Vocal Ensemble, Northwestern Contemporary Music Ensemble, Jeff Siegfried, Jena Gardner, Square Peg Round Hole, Stare at the Sun, Constellation Men's Ensemble, and F- Plus. I have presented my music at festivals and conferences in the US and in Europe and my work is featured on the SEAMUS electroacoustic miniatures recording series: Re-Caged. I have been an artist- in-residence with High Concept Labs and the Chicago Park District. My principle teachers include Hans Thomalla, Chris Mercer, Jay Alan Yim, Aaron Travers, Don Freund, John Gibson, Jeffrey Hass, and Ilya Levinson. I studied at Northwestern University, Indiana University, and Columbia College Chicago. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with my wife Mallory and teach composition and music theory at Appalachian State University.