Fractures

I Am Who I Am Records is proud to present, Fractures, an album release of a new song cycle of music by Canadian composer Frank Horvat, performed by soprano Meredith Hall and pianist Brahm Goldhamer.

Fractures is an expansive song cycle that draws its inspiration from the environmentally detrimental practice of hydraulic fracking. Each song possesses its own unique narrative, yet collectively, the cycle weaves a compelling story, presenting different perspectives by twelve Canadian and American poets. As a result, there is a diversity of styles and themes, with recurring motifs of fire and water serving as integral threads to unify the work.

There’s a sense of total commitment which is very compelling…I really recommend it…highly committed music making.
– John Gilks, Opera Ramblings

Fracking often lingers on the periphery of discussions surrounding energy options, given the perception that natural gas offers a ‘cleaner’ alternative to other fossil fuels. However, delving deeper reveals the staggering resources and chemicals required for fracking, as well as the heart-wrenching impact on both the land and the communities residing near these operations. This song cycle humanizes the issue by sharing varying perspectives and stories.

The cycle leads listeners through a revelatory journey, including with three epic songs, from ‘Digging’, to ‘Prophecy’, then ‘Homeland Security’, and with many emotional (and musical) twists along the way.

Learn more about the making of this album.

Horvat’s activism and dedication to this project (and others) are reminiscent of R. Murray Schafer’s soundscape work and that’s a very good place to be.
– Sophie Bisson, WholeNote Magazine

Story behind the tracks

Tracks: 01-13 Fractures song cycle