Michael Hersch: Images from a Closed Ward

Michael Hersch's "Images from a Closed Ward" is a profound and immersive exploration of experimental music, released on New Focus Recordings in February 2018. This ambitious work is a single, continuous composition divided into thirteen parts, each seamlessly flowing into the next, creating an intense and cohesive listening experience that lasts just over an hour. Hersch, known for his intricate and deeply expressive compositions, delves into the complexities of the human psyche with this album. The title suggests a journey through the inner workings of the mind, possibly inspired by the raw and unfiltered emotions that might be observed in a closed psychiatric ward. The experimental nature of the music allows Hersch to push the boundaries of traditional composition, resulting in a piece that is both challenging and deeply rewarding. "Images from a Closed Ward" is a testament to Hersch's skill as a composer and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through sound.