How many musical colours can be mixed, moulded and manufactured by a single cello? From the gripping first notes, it is clear that alone : together is not a typical new music album. Born from the desire to make a stance as a solo artist, Hilary Kleinig gifts the world the culmination of her musical identities. As a “collaborator at heart” in classical, folk, minimalist and EDM genres, she now re-envisages solo collaboration– collaborating with sounds gone-by, existing layers of music and with technology.

Equipped with cello, microphone and computer, Kleinig meticulously loops, layers and weaves musical ideas together to explore the haunting, ethereal and breathtaking textures of her cello. It is precisely this that makes the music itself feel vulnerable yet fearlessly brave.

In an act of inspiring vulnerability, Kleinig harmonises the sounds of her cello with the power of technology in a magical yet, not-overly-complicated album that offers incredible textural and thematic variety. Kleinig expertly navigates the challenge of ‘samey’ tracks when repetition is a core feature. Variety in technique, harmony, and technological collaboration (looping, stacking harmonies and vertical juxtapositions) along with unique dedications of each track makes each piece a star on its own.

The cello’s haunting side is exposed in Vale through moving light bow pressure ostinati contrasted over full sustained chords, it shimmers through delicately executed harmonics (Stars) while head-bopping col legno battuti throughout Hopeful leaves no wanting for a rhythm section. Kleinig does it all.

The accessible listening experience inspires not only a deeper love for the music with each listen but, because of Kleinig’s authenticity, an understanding of the composer and player herself.

Listen on Apple Music

Title: alone : together
Works: Works by Hilary Kleinig
Performer: Hilary Kleinig vc
Label: Navona Records NV6866