Xenakis - Tetras

Posted by: hungryhalibut on 18 January 2013

I recently heard a really good piece by John Cage on Radio 3 - part of his String Quartet in Four Parts, played by the Jack Quartet on Wigmore Hall Live.

 

The John Cage is the third part of this four part live recording. As well as Ligeti's String Quartet No. 2, and Study IV for Treatise on the Veil by Matthias Pintscher, the CD has Tetras as the concluding part of the concert.

 

It's an incredible piece of music, very dissonant, and it has taken a while to get used to - challenging is I guess one way to describe it.

 

It is a brilliant recording, which seems to be done from very close to the Quartet, so that they are literally right in front of you in the room, and you can hear the interplay between the musicians very clearly. It's very involving to listen to, but a bit of a shock (to me anyway!!) the first time.

 

Well worth a punt if you like string quartets and want something a bit different.

 

I wonder if there are any other fans out there? 

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by graham halliwell

Yes, I am.

 

There is an excellent double CD by the Arditti SQ on Disc Montaigne - Chamber Music 1955 - 1990.  Tetras is the first piece.

 

I'd also suggest you check out his orchestral music - Thallein is a good place to start.  

 

I'm also a fan of his electronic/electroacoustic music, pieces such as Concret PH were ground breaking and there is a great CD on EMF called Electronic Music.  There is also his classic piece La Legende D'eer.

 

Not easy listening, but worth the effort IMO.  You may have already picked up on the fact that Xenakis was an architect and mathematician by training, and his densely woven and detailed music reflects this.

 

Enjoy the trip.

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by Lord Emsworth:

I recently heard a really good piece by John Cage on Radio 3 - part of his String Quartet in Four Parts, played by the Jack Quartet on Wigmore Hall Live.

 

The John Cage is the third part of this four part live recording. As well as Ligeti's String Quartet No. 2, and Study IV for Treatise on the Veil by Matthias Pintscher, the CD has Tetras as the concluding part of the concert.

 

It's an incredible piece of music, very dissonant, and it has taken a while to get used to - challenging is I guess one way to describe it.

 

It is a brilliant recording, which seems to be done from very close to the Quartet, so that they are literally right in front of you in the room, and you can hear the interplay between the musicians very clearly. It's very involving to listen to, but a bit of a shock (to me anyway!!) the first time.

 

Well worth a punt if you like string quartets and want something a bit different.

 

I wonder if there are any other fans out there? 

Your Lordship

 

I don't know "Tetras" - will check it out - but I know "Analogique A", another of his chamber pieces, and like it very much. Have you heard "Pléïades", his amazing percussion piece?

 

There's a great version by Strasbourg Percussions which you can get on a Harmonia Mundi CD.

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by hungryhalibut

Thanks Graham. I have resolved to spend more time in the Music Room, trying to share some of my findings and benefit from others' experience. I'll investigate the Arditti, I had no idea he was an architect - how interesting. Do check out the Jack recording - it's very, very, good.

 

PS.Just checked out the reviews of the Arditti on Amazon. One of them suggests that listening to Tetras with the significant other leads to 'other things'. That's not what happened when I listened to it with Hilary - she left the room, muttering.....  

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by hungryhalibut
Originally Posted by Kevin-W:
Originally Posted by Lord Emsworth:

I recently heard a really good piece by John Cage on Radio 3 - part of his String Quartet in Four Parts, played by the Jack Quartet on Wigmore Hall Live.

 

The John Cage is the third part of this four part live recording. As well as Ligeti's String Quartet No. 2, and Study IV for Treatise on the Veil by Matthias Pintscher, the CD has Tetras as the concluding part of the concert.

 

It's an incredible piece of music, very dissonant, and it has taken a while to get used to - challenging is I guess one way to describe it.

 

It is a brilliant recording, which seems to be done from very close to the Quartet, so that they are literally right in front of you in the room, and you can hear the interplay between the musicians very clearly. It's very involving to listen to, but a bit of a shock (to me anyway!!) the first time.

 

Well worth a punt if you like string quartets and want something a bit different.

 

I wonder if there are any other fans out there? 

Your Lordship

 

I don't know "Tetras" - will check it out - but I know "Analogique A", another of his chamber pieces, and like it very much. Have you heard "Pléïades", his amazing percussion piece?

 

There's a great version by Strasbourg Percussions which you can get on a Harmonia Mundi CD.

Kevin - I'd never even heard of him until I bought this CD, which I got for the Cage. The Xenakis was a Brucie Bonus!

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by Kevin-W
Originally Posted by Lord Emsworth:

Kevin - I'd never even heard of him until I bought this CD, which I got for the Cage. The Xenakis was a Brucie Bonus!

You might also want to sample the delights of Berio, Ligeti and Messaien. Can make some recommendations if you're interested.

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by hungryhalibut

The Arditti looks a bit pricey in the Uk, but I've found is used in Amazon US for much less - let's hope it gets through customs!

 

Kevin - I've got a bit of Ligeti and Messaien, but happy to have recommendations. Never heard of Berio. I need to retire, and get more time for listening.

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by Kevin-W

Some pointers.

 

First, Luciano Berio -

1. Coro (Cologne Radio Symphonic, on Brilliant Classics CD)

2. Chamber Music 1957 - 80 (on MDG CD)

3. Differences/Sequenza 3 etc (Juillard Ensemble on Lillith CD)

4. Sequenzas 1 - 13 (on 20/21 CD)

 

The Sequenzas are interesting - each is for a different solo instrument (eg bassoon, guitar, voice, piano, oboe, etc).

Posted on: 18 January 2013 by graham halliwell

Hope you enjoy the Arditti CD - one for life.  In fact you've stirred my interest again - on my list of things to listen to.