To the bemusement of the rest of us, mathematicians often describe certain equations, processes, and proofs as “elegant,” “beautiful,” or even “sensuous.” Artworks based on algorithms, conversely, might seem less predisposed to such descriptions. But what if those complex calculations actually produced perceptibly emotional qualities? Take, for example, the work of Spanish composer-mathematician Juan J.G. Escudero. His cult classic, Shapes of Inner Timespaces (Neuma 134, 2021), evoked such responses as: 

“What first strikes one on listening is how gorgeous the sounds are. They are transformational and flowing, waterlogged wet and sometimes metallically plated for an ever-evolving beauty, often pitched yet highly charged with atmosphere and vividly colored. … this is some of the finest electroacoustic music I have heard in a long time and that it makes me want to hear more! That’s the kind of listening experience I hope for every time I listen to new New Music.” – Gapplegate ClassicalModern

Ice Door, his new album, follows a similar acousmatic trajectory but adds two substantial works for acoustic instrumental ensembles. Páginas de Mar and Coincidence Threshold put flesh on the bones of their esoteric workings, and — as performed by some of New York’s most acrobatic virtuosi — bring a whole new emotional immediacy to their deep structural coherence.