Neat collection of three of Xenakis' ensemble works, plus a piano-violin duo, all composed in the mid-late 1970s. First up is the typically energetic blast of Xenakis writing something of a piano concerto gone haywire, with patterns of scales overwritten with new non-repeating patterns in the manner of an ancient palimpsest. The thundering percussion keeps up the tension until the end. Next up, the queasily microtonal
Épéi ("since") is led by trumpet and clarinet to make the major changes, as the more static backdrop gradually slithers around.
Dikhthas ("dual") pitches the glissando agility of a violin against the static notes of a piano to great effect. Then to close, we get Akanthos for soprano and ensemble. Named for the acanthus plant used for decoration on Corinthian columns, it's a great writhing mass of intricate lines that eventually comes together in strident single notes. An absolute blast to listen to.
pw: sgtg
Previously posted at SGTG:
Much appreciated
ReplyDeleteIannis Xenakis is new to me.
ReplyDeleteWow, and thank you so very much!
Many thanks Alan.
ReplyDeletexenakis has been busting my eardrums for years
ReplyDeletei don't have this performance and two of the pieces are completely new to me
thank y ou alan