Melsky & Ensemble Dal Niente / Various Melsky & Ensemble Dal Niente / Various CD

Harpist Ben Melsky, of Ensemble Dal Niente, a staple on the Chicago new music scene, releases a recording of innovative chamber works with his colleagues by a wonderful collection of composers including Wang Lu, Fred Gifford, Tomas Gueglio, Alican Camci, and Eliza Brown. Dedicated to connecting audiences to the music of the 20th and 21st centuries, Chicago-based Ben Melsky is Executive Director and harpist of Ensemble Dal Niente. In close collaboration with composers and performers he encourages the creation of new work to break pre-conceived notions of the harp's capabilities, activating new techniques, sounds, and performance practices. "Melsky's playing belied any perceived limits of his instrument. Even within phrases, individual notes had different colors and sensations, and melodies seemed to break free from their surroundings." (Chicago Classical Review)