An Ending (Ascent) - A Symphony of Drone and Dissonance Where Sonic Textures Collide With Ethereal Soundscapes

“An Ending (Ascent)”, a seminal work by composer Pauline Oliveros, stands as a testament to her pioneering spirit in the realm of experimental music. Released in 1981 on the XI Records label, this piece exemplifies the sonic explorations that characterized Oliveros’s career and cemented her position as a leading figure in the development of deep listening techniques.

Born in Houston, Texas, in 1932, Pauline Oliveros was a true innovator, blurring the lines between performer, composer, and philosopher. Her lifelong dedication to exploring the sonic possibilities of sound led her to develop groundbreaking concepts like “Deep Listening,” a practice that emphasizes active listening and heightened awareness of the acoustic environment. This approach, central to “An Ending (Ascent),” invites listeners to immerse themselves in the tapestry of sounds, allowing them to discover hidden textures and nuances within the composition.

“An Ending (Ascent)” is a mesmerizing journey through shifting sonic landscapes, characterized by its unique combination of droning sustained tones and jarring dissonances. Oliveros employs unconventional instrumentation, including electronically manipulated vocalizations, synthesized textures, and traditional acoustic instruments like flute and clarinet. The piece unfolds organically, with sounds emerging, layering, and fading away in a fluid and unpredictable manner.

Deconstructing the Sonic Tapestry: A Closer Look at “An Ending (Ascent)”

The beauty of “An Ending (Ascent)” lies in its ambiguity. Oliveros avoids clear-cut melodic structures or harmonic progressions, opting instead for a sonic experience that is both immersive and challenging. The droning tones serve as the foundation of the piece, creating a sense of sustained tension and anticipation.

Table 1: Key Elements of “An Ending (Ascent)”

These drones are punctuated by bursts of dissonance, jarring the listener out of complacency. The effect is both unsettling and captivating, drawing the listener deeper into the sonic maze. Electronic manipulation further enhances the piece’s otherworldly quality.

Oliveros utilizes various effects to transform and distort sounds, creating ethereal textures that seem to float in and out of existence. At times, the music resembles a haunting dreamscape, where familiar sounds are warped and contorted into something unrecognizable yet strangely alluring.

The Legacy of Pauline Oliveros: “An Ending (Ascent)” as a Testament to Her Vision

“An Ending (Ascent)” stands as a powerful example of Oliveros’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of music. Through her use of unconventional instrumentation, electronic manipulation, and deep listening techniques, she creates a sonic experience that is truly unique and transformative.

The piece has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of experimental composers, inspiring them to explore new sonic territories and challenge traditional notions of musical structure. Oliveros’s legacy continues to resonate today, as her music inspires listeners to engage with sound in a more conscious and attentive manner.

Listening to “An Ending (Ascent)” is not simply about passively consuming music; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of sonic discovery. The piece demands active participation from the listener, encouraging them to become attuned to subtle nuances and hidden textures within the sound field.

Oliveros’s vision was one where music transcends entertainment and becomes a vehicle for personal exploration and growth. “An Ending (Ascent)” is a testament to that vision, offering a glimpse into the limitless possibilities of sonic creation and reminding us that true musical experience lies not just in what we hear, but in how we listen.