Concetta Abbate’s LAMINARIA is an evocative exploration of life, death, and the delicate balance in between. Named after the Latin term for kelp—a plant powerful enough to be used medicinally to both initiate birth and induce abortion—the piece dives into themes of trauma, mental health, and healing. Through a haunting blend of composed orchestrations and improvisations, Abbate crafts a sonic journey that feels as much like a ritual as it does a musical performance.
Opening with the flooring “The Devil’s Apron”, Abbate’s complex classical and orchestral folk sensibilities are cinematic in every which way. This doesn’t feel like a record that can be limited or translated to purely audio alone, it necessitates and commands a performance like few do. The powerful and continually evolving “Death of a Witch” is a definitive highlight track.
With a unique ensemble of low woodwinds (bassoon, bass clarinet, alto flute), singing string players, and a French horn vocalist, the composition achieves an eerie, oceanic soundscape. Specially crafted instruments by builder Skip La Plante add analog foley effects that transport the listener to an underwater realm, mirroring the murky emotional depths the piece explores.
LAMINARIA has cultivated a devoted following in New York’s music scene, with several performances enhanced by the Wendy Osserman Dance Company’s original choreography, bringing Abbate’s intense, introspective narrative to life on stage.