Liminar Performs Works by Modernist Composer Julián Carrillo at REDCAT

Liminar is at REDCAT this weekend. (Image: Courtesy of the artist)

This weekend (Dec. 11-12), Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) presents the Mexico City-based musical ensemble Liminar, performing a special two-night showcase that focuses on the groundbreaking microtonal works of Mexican modernist composer Julián Carrillo (1875–1965).

The evenings will feature two distinct programs, each anchored by Carrillo’s Preludio a Colón (1924/25). Friday’s version is for soprano, flute, quarter-tone guitar, Carrillo harp, octavina, violin and cello. The Saturday performance is for soprano, flute, quarter-tone guitar, Carrillo harp and string quartet. Preludio a Colón is the composition in which the composer’s landmark microtonal music theory Sonido #13—one of the earliest systems in the Western classical tradition to move beyond the 12-note octave—first reached full expression.

In addition to Carrillo compositions, the concerts include new and recent works, some of which were commissioned by Liminar, and build on the composer’s musical legacy. The programs include works by Juan Cristóbal Cerrillo, Valeria Jonard, JuanSebastián Lach, Sergio Luque, Liliana Rodriguez and Carlos Iturralde.

Liminar is comprised of more than 20 soloists from Mexico who are dedicated to the performance of works from the past century that have limited exposure in Mexico. The ensemble is co-directed by Iturralde with Alexander Bruck and CalArts voice faculty and alumna Carmina Escobar (Music MFA 10).

Below is an excerpt of Carrillo’s Preludio a Colón with Escobar on vocals.