Notions of Hope, by Hara Alonso

Notions of Hope

by Hara Alonso

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1.	Notion 1 02:45	buy track
2.	Notion 2 03:47	buy track
3.	Notion 3 02:36	buy track
4.	Notion 4 02:21	buy track
5.	Notion 5 03:23	buy track
6.	Notion 6 02:27	buy track
7.	Notion 7 02:33	buy track
8.	Notion 8 01:31	buy track
9.	Notion 9 02:54	buy track
10.	Notion 10 05:05	buy track

about

The pastoral view, the view into forests, mountains, and oceans, has kept alive a great, wonderful element of non mechanical response which one day can and will enter into concrete leisure; however, the access to it is, as a precapitalist one in a capitalist age, still largely archaic-romantic [...] a utopian kind of restful land.

E. Bloch, The principle of hope

Mass society strives for growth. Growth in populations, growth in cities, growth in economies. The individual imbibes this intoxicating brew, and so dutifully strives for growth also – always looking ahead, always seeking more. Yet, modern society has been confronted with the confounding truth: Our world has little yield to further accommodate our voracity. Rainforests are declining, temperatures are rising, species are dying. This realisation of endless growth’s folly, and of the need to embrace what we have now finds expression in an arresting new album from Stockholm-based Spanish pianist Hara Alonso.

A study in semantics as well as philosophy, Notions of Hope invites a meditative listen. Each of its deft, stark piano tracks explores a different, nuanced interpretation of the concept of hope, delving beneath our overt, sanguine associations with the word. Inspired by springtime walks in the forest and nighttime readings on secular faith from the likes of Bloch, Kierkegaard and Hägglund, the set documents – the passing of the seasons from darkest winter to delicate spring – the time of new beginnings. Green shoots and lingering sun. It also arrives soon after the start of a new year, when we author resolutions for how to improve our lot. Nature’s cycle and humanity’s ritual, both lulling us into complacency. Through her fragile piano keys, Alonso wordlessly urges listeners to consider the fragility of our world, and switch from a mode of hope to one of care. Care for surroundings, care for your actions, care for your world – in all its finite glory.

In Notion 5, Alonso rises ever further up her piano, until it has no more keys to offer. The piece ends – as we all do – and we enjoyed what was captured before the end.

In a nontheistic state of mind, abandoning hope is an affirmation, the beginning of the beginning.

Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart

Notions of Hope releases digitally on the 29th of September, featuring artwork by Spanish graphic designer Celia Bayo.

credits

released September 29, 2023

Music by Hara Alonso
Recorded at Fylkingen by John Chantler
With the support of FST

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Hara Alonso Stockholm, Sweden

haraalonso.com

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