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Mantra: Post-Minimalist Percussion In Aisle 12 For composer Michael Gordon's mesmerizing Timber, written for six two-by-fours, Mantra set up a public performance of the piece in the lumber department of a big-box hardware store in Alexandria, Va.

Field recordings

Out of the concert hall and off the beaten path

Mantra: Post-Minimalist Percussion In Aisle 12

Credit: NPR

There's something primeval about guys banging on wood. But the New York percussion group Mantra takes such primitive pounding to a surprisingly refined level. For composer Michael Gordon's mesmerizing new work — Timber, written for six two-by-fours — Mantra set up a public performance of the piece in the lumber department of a big-box hardware store in Alexandria, Va. Who knew 60 inches of processed pine could sound so good?

Credit:

Producers: Mito Habe-Evans, Dena Trugman, Tom Huizenga; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Additional Videography: Mike Katzif; Executive Producers: Anya Grundmann, Keith Jenkins.

Field recordings

Out of the concert hall and off the beaten path