Meredith Monk: Inner Voice

In this affectionate portrait of multitalented Meredith Monk (composer, singer, choreographer, filmmaker, and artist), Dutch director Babeth M. Vanloo—who has known the subject since 1990 and also narrates the documentary—captures Monk talking about her background, performing some of her compositions, and teaching. Early on, Monk studied singing at Sarah Lawrence but decided she didn't want to be an “interpreter” or work with lyrics, so she learned to use her voice as an instrument, creating a kind of abstract and impressionistic vocal style, eventually adding other art forms to her wide-ranging career. Vanloo intersperses archival material and film clips among Monk's reminiscences (which take place in New York and New Mexico, where she divides her time), with featured pieces from Monk's repertoire including “Scared Song,” “Impermanence,” and “Songs of Ascension.” Vanloo also speaks with friends and collaborators such as Lanny Harrison and Vocal Ensemble members Theo Bleckmann and Ching Gonzalez. Aside from her artistry, Monk discusses her practice of Buddhism and how it has influenced her work. Inner Voice is hardly a definitive biography, but Vanloo offers an interesting introduction to this inventive artist. DVD extras include a 2004 live performance of “Dolmen Music” (a work for voice and cello), and an interview with Vanloo. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)