In the Pali language of the early Buddhist texts, vipassana means “to see things as they really are." Vipassana is an epic four-movement, 70-minute composition that “stimulates the mind and refreshes the spirit." Featuring 25 classical and jazz instrumentalists and singers, Vipassana is partly inspired by Bjork's Selmasongs and photographs from Yann Arthus-Bertrand's Earth from Above series and Jake Rajs' The Hudson River. Vipassana also features Denise Levertov's beautiful poem Variation and Reflection on a Theme by Rilke.
Mr. Phillips states, “Vipassana is an excellent example of my goal as a composer to organically combine the improvisational and rhythmic elements of jazz with the colors, textures, techniques and formal structures of post-minimal music. As a unique and personal composition of expressive beauty and emotional depth, Vipassana also reflects my desire to create music that “stimulates the mind and refreshes the spirit."
Mr. Phillips founded and has conducted Numinous since the fall of 2000. In September 2003 Numinous released its first CD, The Music of Joseph C. Phillips Jr., to critical and audience praise. Mr. Phillips' music has been performed at the 2003 Steve Reich Festival in the Netherlands, Galapagos Art Space, the Merkin Concert Hall, the Renee Weiler Concert Hall, the Merce Cunningham Dance Studios, among many other venues including a number of universities and colleges. In addition to Numinous, Mr. Phillips is the founder and director of the New York City composer's federation, Pulse.
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