Giacinto Scelsi Collection, Vol. 2

Albumbeschreibung

The second volume of Stradivarius' collection of live performances from the Scelsi Festival presents seven pieces that are typical in their highly varied instrumentation, unpredictable styles, and quasi-mystical expressive qualities. Much of what makes this music attractive, especially for newcomers who otherwise might have little interest in avant-garde music, are the aspects of religious thought and personal introspection that contribute an attractive but inscrutable quality to both Giacinto Scelsi and his art. Yet it's possible to separate the mysticism from the music, and one may find that the spiritual attitudes Scelsi held are not always vital to understanding his music. Perhaps the easiest selections to absorb on this 2007 album are the solo pieces Wo Ma (1960) and Preghiera per un'ombra (1954), which focus on extremes of tonal production through virtuosic single-line structures. The works for chamber combinations, such as To the master (1974) and Rotativa (1930), played here in a version for two pianos and percussion, are likewise approachable for their small forces and concentrated material, though the broadly tonal lyricism of the former piece makes it more affecting and appealing than the latter, which is almost symphonic in its stacked sonorities. The Trio for vibraphone, marimba, and percussion (ca. 1950) is a bit quieter and more reflective and displays the exotic coloration that many listeners value in Scelsi's best music. The two large ensemble pieces that frame the program, Pranam II (1970) and Chukrum (1963), are perhaps the hardest for beginners to grasp, for their static pacing and dense harmonies make them difficult to penetrate and even boring to impatient listeners. The selections on this album were recorded in 2005, 2006, and 2007, so because of the different dates and live concert settings, there are variable volume levels and a few coughs and extraneous noises from the audiences.

© TiVo