Davachi's 'Will of Tongues': Music That Makes You Sit Still

Canadian composer Sarah Davachi, age 38, has released her latest work, 'The Will of Tongues.' This extensive collection of music spans two hours and nineteen minutes and is designed to demand undivided attention from its listeners.

Davachi's compositions, influenced by artists like Éliane Radigue and La Monte Young, often explore long-form acoustic and electroacoustic traditions. She believes there's an ethical component to her music, encouraging listeners to practice confronting uncomfortable or difficult sounds without distraction.

The album features solo and chamber music pieces written by Davachi in 2024 and 2025. Performances include Davachi on organ, the Chamber Choir of Ireland, the Renaissance flute consort Phaedrus, the Diapason brass group, and string players Whitney Johnson, Eyvind Kang, and Lucy Railton.

Davachi's approach involves architectural sound design, creating specific sonic spaces for the listener. While her music builds on established forms like canons and chord sequences, she often employs historical temperaments, which create subtle inconsistencies in timbre. This creates a tension between fragility and stability in her meticulously detailed textures.

'The Will of Tongues' challenges typical listening habits, where minds often wander. Davachi's work prompts listeners to re-engage, realizing they may have missed crucial sonic information. The music encourages a mindful, present listening experience, offering a manifesto against distraction in music consumption.