Book of Days cover

Book of Days

Meredith Monk · 1990

49 min · 14 tracks · opera · avant-garde music

A meditative exploration of time, blending ethereal vocals with intricate soundscapes and minimalist arrangements.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its innovative fusion of vocal techniques and instrumental textures, which influenced the development of contemporary classical and avant-garde music. It received critical acclaim and is often cited in discussions about the expansion of vocal music beyond traditional boundaries.
Best for
meditative soundscapes for reflection wave-like pacing with dynamic shifts introspective exploration of time
Context
By the time Meredith Monk released 'Book of Days' in 1990, she had already established herself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music. This album followed her acclaimed works like 'Dolmen Music' (1981) and showcased her continued evolution as a composer and performer, integrating elements of theater and dance into her sound.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Early Morning Melody 1:34
  • 2 Travellers 1, 2, 3 2:32
  • 3 Dawn 3:20
  • 4 Travellers 4 Churchyard Entertainment Standout 6:46
  • 5 Afternoon Melodies 4:54
  • 6 Fields/Clouds 2:22
  • 7 Dusk 2:37
  • 8 Eva's Song 0:50
  • 9 Evening 2:52
  • 10 Travellers 5 1:57
  • 11 Jewish Storyteller/Dance/Dream Standout 5:00
  • 12 Plague 3:14
  • 13 Madwoman's Vision Standout 7:43
  • 14 Cave Song 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata