Weather is an audio recording of Michael Gordon’s multimedia production of the same name. It’s played by the string orchestra Ensemble Resonanz, whose performance Gordon later manipulated in a studio, adding electronic effects. Weather benefits substantially from Gordon’s tinkering: a reasonably hip armchair techno beat enlivens “Weather Two,” and elsewhere the ambient noise and processed string sounds give the album an intimacy usually only present in pop recordings. “Weather Three” is by far the best track here: a few violinists begin with sustained, echoing tones, then imitate a siren by sliding up and down the ranges of their instruments. Gradually, more musicians enter and build into a dense mass of siren noises that is accompanied by a weighty electronic drone. Compositionally, Gordon’s music is tonal and repetitive; it’s similar to the minimalism of Steve Reich and John Adams, but nowhere near as complex. Avant garde-minded listeners will be annoyed by Gordon’s modest approach to harmony and thematic development, but others will find his simplicity in those areas appealing. – Charlie Wilmoth
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