Professor Seth Cluett Premieres New Work with TAK Ensemble

By
Andrew Scott
October 02, 2024

Seth Cluett, prolific multi-hyphenate in the arts and academia who serves as Director at Columbia’s Computer Music Center and Assistant Director of the Sound Art MFA Program, debuted two new works on Sunday, September 22 in a show at the historic Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn.

Teaming with Cluett for the performance was TAK Ensemble, an acclaimed quintet that specializes in the experimental. With handmade instruments and an ear for sonic exploration, they performed the world premiere of Cluett’s long-form composition irreversible histories of disturbance

“TAK is a singularly remarkable group,” said Cluett. “They come with a level of curiosity, care, engagement, and focus that is exceeded only by their ability to execute the full range of possible techniques.”

TAK is composed of Laura Cocks on flute, Madison Greenstone on clarinet, the vocals of Charlotte Mundy, Marina Kifferstein on violin, and Ellery Trafford on percussion.

Also premiering at the top of the night was Cluett’s short video work the reformation of assemblages, created with choreographer Abigail Levine, filmmaker Itziar Barrio, and TAK Ensemble.

The complementary works investigate the role of sound from an ecosystemic vantage, and evolved from a very specific source of inspiration.  

“The pieces were based around ideas in The Mushroom at the End of the World, by Anna Tsing. The pieces are constructed so the musicians are working through processes that are based on ecological systems. Things like erosion, symbiosis, decay, growth,” said Cluett.

In addition to his multiple roles at Columbia and his work as a composer and aural innovator, Cluett has established a diverse body of work ranging from visual installations to the written word. When asked about his ability to thrive across mediums, Cluett’s approach was clear, “Don’t let the field or industry define your practice, let someone else figure out what to call what you do.” 

Those looking to experience more of Cluett’s craft won’t have to wait long. September 27 marks the opening of Seeing Sound at the Pratt Manhattan Gallery, which features Cluett’s work alongside nine of his contemporaries in the audio-visual space. The exhibit runs from September 27 to December 17, 2024.

Watch the recorded livestream of Sunday’s performance here.