Emissary Quartet - [moment]um (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Frequency
02. Recurrence
03. Left on Sweetleaf: I. Horizontal blue
04. Left on Sweetleaf: II. Lime thief
05. Left on Sweetleaf: III. Rainbow road
06. Left on Sweetleaf: IV. Sunday clean
07. Levada
08. Steeley Pause
09. Jo-Ha-Kyu

Emissary Quartet’s debut album [moment]um is inspired by the Japanese concept of jo-ha-kyū, a structure that reflects the natural flow of progression: beginning slowly (jo), accelerating through development (ha), and culminating in a swift and powerful conclusion (kyū). This theme of movement and motion is brought to life through contemporary works by living composers, Jennifer Higdon, Kai-Young Chan, Sung-Hyun Yun, Nicky Sohn, Heike Beckmann, and Herman Beeftink. Each composer uses the unique textures and timbres of the flute and auxiliary flutes, to evoke a sense of continuous transformation. Each piece within the album highlights various facets of motion, from the meditative, gradually unfolding soundscapes of the opening movements to the more dynamic, rhythmically intricate passages that create a palpable sense of urgency and energy. The living composers draw upon a wide range of influences, blending minimalist repetition with more expansive, lyrical phrasing to reflect [moment]um, while exploring the capacity of sound to depict both literal and abstract forms of motion.