William Basinski‘s 2026 work Passing the Cup of Sorrows was inspired by a spiritual hypnotherapy exercise involving an exchange of energy between two souls in the spirit world, in which one spirit comes to understand and forgive someone who hurt them in a past life. Moved by online testimonials of this practice, Basinski attempted to interpret this transformation process through music. The 38-minute piece consists of intimately recorded solo piano, with background noises audible at certain points, along with sparse electronic effects. Basinski typically plays a short melodic pattern and lets the notes decay, patiently waiting before playing again. Notes that have already been played sporadically flash back during the in-between spaces and still…

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