As people around the world came to grips with 9/11, one particular piece of music that drew people in was William Basinski’s The Disintegration Loops [listen]. Somewhat of an accidental piece, its resonance was not only musical (though its mournful repetition is certainly both comforting and haunting), but also due in part to its near-mythological context - birthed through physical decay, it was said to be completed the morning of the attacks, and played on Basinski’s Brooklyn rooftop as he watched the towers fall.

The Wordless Music Orchestra’s decision to perform what is essentially a tape loop on the 10th anniversary of the attacks struck me as a curious one, but now that it’s performed, it makes sense. They re-invent it into a majestic sequel, the slowly dying tape replaced by a sustained, strong orchestra, and the recreated tones of the original providing a backbone to fresh, reinvigorated yet nonetheless reflective instrumentation.

It’s one of the most moving pieces I’ve heard, and it’s available (as part of a concert) as a free download/stream from NPR for a week only. Check it out.

Picture source.