Meredith Monk

Meredith Monk is a composer and vocalist who has worked in New York since the 1960s. Her music often involves extended vocal techniques and draws from interdisciplinary performance, combining elements of theater and visual art with sound. She studied at Sarah Lawrence College, which helped shape her approach to blending different forms.

Her 1971 piece "Cow Song" features Collin Walcott on trumpet and demonstrates her use of vocalizations like circular breathing and glissandos. Other recordings include "Key" from 1971, "Dolmen Music" from 1981, and "mercy" from 1992. She has worked with artists including John Cage.

Monk's work has sometimes been met with skepticism due to its unconventional nature, but she has continued developing her distinct approach over decades. Her composition "The Tale" represents another facet of her vocal exploration.