“wie ein Nebel…” by Samn Johnson is a captivating piece for a choir of four singers and electronics, presenting lovely vocal tones with an intriguing harmonic complexity. The vocal processing adds an otherworldly, ethereal vibe, aligning with the piece’s exploration of life’s fleeting nature.
The piece draws from the Bach chorale “ach wie flüchtig, ach wie nichtig” (oh how fleeting, oh how insignificant), using text fragments to convey the transience of life, likened to a fog (Nebel). Johnson employs ethereal ambient electronics and Just Intonation, a system that matches the resonances of the harmonic series, requiring slightly different tunings for the same note. This technique, exemplified by the alternating Bs (20 cents apart), enhances the piece’s transitory and ephemeral mood.
The voices blend early liturgical music sounds with modern pop processing, creating a timeless and surreal feeling. This juxtaposition emphasizes the fleeting and foggy nature of existence, making “wie ein Nebel…” a deeply evocative listening experience.
Samn Johnson, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a composer and producer known for his curiosity about new sound combinations. His work spans orchestral, choral, electronic, and solo piano music, incorporating Renaissance-style canons, swung down-tempo grooves, lush synths, and unique instrumental flourishes. His music, often slow and atmospheric, evokes a sense of wonder, reflecting his fascination with memory and the passage of time. With degrees from the University of Michigan and New York University, Johnson also works as a mixing engineer and is part of the synth pop duo ACRAEA.
“wie ein Nebel…” exemplifies Johnson’s imaginative palette, blending historical and contemporary elements to create a piece that is both reflective and forward-looking.
