The Late Works of XENAKIS

[greg]

Good to see new stuff coming out...

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

I just got the JACK Quartet playing the Complete String Quartets of Xenakis (on Mode; also available on DVD!!!).

Thanks for the review. I've never even heard of this quartet (yes, I don't know JACK).

[bhodges]

Last October I heard the Jack Quartet in NYC at Le Poisson Rouge, in all four Xenakis quartets, and thought they were marvelous.  I'd only heard Tetras (on CD) and none of the quartets live, so it was a real treat.  ST/4 – 1080262 was thrilling--man, what a piece!  I wasn't quite as bowled over by Tetora and Ergma (which seemed more similar to each other than to the other two), but never mind.  

Anyway, glad to hear the new recording already has fans.  I'll be eager to hear it.

--Bruce

[petrarch]

Cool I might consider the DVD, 'seeing' the JACK group perform this stuff.

It's definitely worth it.

I did see JACK perform ST/4 along with Rihm's Im Innersten and Lachenmann's Gran Torso at The Tank last year and even though I prefer the Arditti performances of all of these three quartets it is refreshing to have a different take on these works.

[snyprrr]

All this Boulez Box Bashing (BBB) reminded me that, as far as I know, only ONE of the Composers of High Modernism does not have a Complete Edition of some sorts. Ligeti, Lutoslawski, Messi-ann,.. uh, uh... well, you know.

This is probably only the second Xenakis Post in a year, and it's the same lament as last time. It looks as though Xenakis has dies at the box-office and I guess we should assume that the last works that remain unrecorded will remain so.

That no formal recording exists of Zythos (for Christian Lindberg and the Kroumata,... I mean, come ON BIS!!), which shouldn't even be a problem, IS a problem!! It's not even that much of a piece, but come on people, let us put this baby to rest.

But I fear it has already been laid to rest.

I DID appreciate the last Poster in the other Thread who turned us on to the (I almost guess) World Premiere Recording of the brass trio Linea Agon (did I spell it right that time?), but, all the other Xenakis sighting have been of the same basic two standards: either one of the two solo percussion pieces (Psappha, Rebonds) or Evryali.

I suppose we are at that exact place in history where Xenakis's music is diametrically opposed to the interests of the current market (meaning, he's not PC,... apparently the powers dat b don't like him politically?). And, I mean, I don't necessarily care for the man and his ideas, but, I just want what I want and I want it NOW!!!

AAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!

[snyprrr]

Mode and Timpani have did a good job of putting a lot of his work out there. I'm sure Mode will probably at some point record whatever odds and ends are missing. Send Mode an email listing what's left and ask if they have any other plans.

I did that last year, when they kind of promised SOMETHING, but nothing has come from them in 2 1/2 years. I'll try again.


I did listen to the Late Orchestral Work Kyania (1992), a 20min. kaleidoscope of chugging, brilliant movement, like a giant quilt made of gold and brass. Xenakis definitely has some Messiean in him.

[snyprrr]

I'm another who doesn't tend to like late Xenakis too much. As you say, the rhythms can seem pedestrian and the music often comes close to nothing more than a lengthy monolothic sequence of chords (with, in the concertante works, an often modally-tinged melodic line overlaid on it).

Of the works from this period, I do like Troorkh, Ata and Tetora, but listening much beyond that they can sound very samey. The last few works are often very short and perhaps this indicates a lack of ability to retain focus due to his ill health at the time.

Aye, this Thread is a mess , but, Edward (and whomever), one thing that can be said for Late Xenakis is this- and it's only evident on hearing differing interpretations of the Late Works- that 'timing' is quite important, because, Xenakis's 'melodies' are such that, depending on exactly how fast, or slow, a piece is going, they tend to transform and open up 'new' melodies- I relate this to perhaps someone like Sibelius, who can sound very different depending on the tempo one chooses. You get what I mean? I'm saying there is a HIDDEN genius in Late Xenakis.


A few seconds after writing the above I thought it sounded like bs . I'm pretty sure Xenakis chose his tempos according to what he himself was expecting- and I DON'T expect Xenakian Conductors to act like Lenny and pull IX's music all out of shape.

My main example would be the two recordings of Plekto (1993?), 8:10 on Mode, 12:27 on Bvhaast (the piece is listed as being 14mins.). This is the kind of piece that will somewhat change character depending on the tempo (yes, Gurn, I'm still talkin' that 'Haydn tempo thing', haha!!), though, there are balancing/spatial issues that can alter its character. The rhythmic interplay is what's effected, and, pedestrian or not, rhythms in Late Xenakis are ripe for manipulation.

There is usually ALWAYS in Xenakis, no matter the complexity, when he tightens up the rhythm to steady, understandable beats- many times there are several sections that appear in some certain steady beating tempo- BUUUT- how to choose which one is the 'sweet spot'? This is interesting in the Auzet 'O-Mega' at 4:10 and the Bvhaast at 3:30- certain contours of the ensemble melodies from the slower are somewhat lost in the quicker.

And, I mean, certain performers, who have perhaps taken a chance, and played a Xenakis piece a little slower, or faster, than usual,... haven't they many times found hidden relationships between the 'beats'?- as I think Edward or someone mentioned in the other Thread.

In 'Plekto', there are several conflicting 'steady times' that come out differently in the two opposing recordings, hence, actual interest IN multiple recordings (how many Modern Composers's multiple recordings all sound similar?).




Anyhow, I'm just rambling on about Xenakis this morning... I've been comparing 'Thallein'- it's THE Xenakis work, I think- in terms of meeting the Orchestral-Chamber Divide, and delivering on all counts. The new Mode version is in a class by itself, and technically outclasses the old Boulez/Erato, but the latter has an urgent vibrancy in the playing and recording that are really just slightly less molten than the Mode (the Erato sounds as if every instrument has a mic, the Mode a bit more organic).

enough

[snyprrr]

3 Pages?

Anyhow, IX's 'Late Period' begins 1987-88, and yes, 'Rebonds' is his "Top40 Hit". Along with that, 'XA5' for saxophone quartet seems to me a perfect transition piece, with equal parts wildness and repose, looking forward to the slow tempos of 'Tetora' and 'Oophaa', that became de rigor after 1991.

The three works, 'Waarg' (literally, "work"), 'Echange', and 'Epicycles', also seem to form a trilogy of a new style, with 'Waarg' the clearest example of how monolithic he was to become. 'Echange', however, does seem to hold a special place in all of Xenakis, as there is not much quite like this cosmic gem of dark hues and vast spaces, seamlessly wrought.

What confounds me are the block of Orchestral Works between 1990-92, that do, all, inhabit such an oddly rigid world of "no" (no glissandi, no shocking juxapositions, just monolithic slabs of slowly moving magma). I especially couldn't stand the violin concerto 'DOX-ORKH' (1990), with it's almost comedic orchestral backdrop,... dare I say, "programmatic"? (David vs Goliath)

Of course, it's still a long road from 1990 to his last works of 1995-97, where there are grindings not quite imagined by the Xenakis of 1983.

[snyprrr]

So many things to reply to!! 

Snyprrr, from the OP we both seem to cherish his 80s music the most (which is awesome!).
One of my personal favourites from his orchestral works has to be Lichens, I think it utilities everything he's known for with his orchestral music at full force, and with percussion solos!!

There is a lot I have to say and I'm not a fast typewriter so I won't be able to bring up all my points at once.

I do think his late works are beautiful and show him ending in a more humble manner (compared to a lot of composers). Yes, the alzeimers did play a big role in his cognitive abilities, sadly.

I don't think his late works are any less valuable than his early and middle period works but I do think they rely on subtly far more.

Despite this, Sea-Change is very crushing to me.

Will talk more! 

I agree with 'Lichens'- well, actually, I think 'Nekuia' impressed me a little more... and I do love 'Cendrees' too... oh, and 'Kekrops'- that may be his Big Hollywood Moment? And I have a soft spot for 'L I'lle de Goree'...


I was very surprised by 'Sea-Change'. It starts with gliss, one should be overjoyed... "crushed"


Yea, I'm not in much of a writey mood



Just so you know, I hold up Marcus Leoson (Caprice) as the Greatest 'Rebonds', without a doubt. Lately, it seems the plan is to drag 'Rebonds' and 'Psappha' out so that even Millenialls can play them... (I know, I'm sorry, no offence to the youngers- still funny)

[milk]

What a sin to have unrecorded works. ...A shame.

[snyprrr]

Mosaiques and Waarg? They're too I haven't seen any recordings of (though I may have missed it, if it's in french etc.)

Cheers!

Alien 

There's no commercial recording of 'Mosaiques'; however, there are THREE recordings of 'Waarg':

1) the Vandenburg recording 'Iannissimo!'

2) original rec. on Attacca "ASKO Ensemble Live 1"

3)Stradivarius label "Festival Milano Musica Live Vol2" STR33871 (this is my choice)



Yes, I hear the "crushing" in 'Sea-Change'- quite sad machine death... 'O-MEGA' also has a cosmic sadness

What a sin to have unrecorded works. ...A shame.

2008 recession crushed expensive Xenakis orchestral recordings is what I heard


Whoever owns the Erato recordings for 'Cendrees' 'Nekuia' and 'Ais' could certainly put them out for cheap, no? 'Koiroanoi' is the one that I'm craving- I heard a snippet and was massively impressed.

And, Mode's IX Series has absolutely stagnated with no info going forward. Feel free to contact Brian Brandt at Mode- he's pretty good about communicating- however, every time I mention anything to him, he always responds that it is the money that is the issue. Should someone "donate" some cashola to the cause, well, maybe we'll get a new recording.....





Listened to 'Zythos' just now- I just have to LOL, it's suuuch a barren piece, it reminds me of "Silent Night' and a snow

[mahler10th]

This composer is new to me, having trashed him some years back as something I could not understand.  Well, turns out there are many composers I don't understand, like Lutoslawski, but I listen to his work regularly because it lights up and messes up the neurons in my so-called brain.  So recently I have taken to listening to this fellow.  Damned interesting so far, but I dunno yet...

[snyprrr]

This composer is new to me, having trashed him some years back as something I could not understand.  Well, turns out there are many composers I don't understand, like Lutoslawski, but I listen to his work regularly because it lights up and messes up the neurons in my so-called brain.  So recently I have taken to listening to this fellow.  Damned interesting so far, but I dunno yet...

How may we direct you IX listening?

Anything can be auditioned on YouTube. I would recommend:

1) 'Kekrops'- a mighty and fully mature Piano Concerto No.3 that sounds like UltraModern Stravinsky to me, perhaps.
                    Elemental, yet with melody, almost "prehistoric" or "kraken" images

2) 'Pleiades'- easy to like six man percussion, 40mins.

3) 'Jonchaies'- sonic juggernaut, utilizing Indonesian Pelog scale

4) 'Ata'- I think his most easy to understand piece, very very Stravinskyian, funnish

5) 'Tracees'- all of Xenakis encapsulated in 5 minutes

6) 'Emprientes' and 'Echange'- the former is the most truly cosmic sounding Xenakis, quite peaceful, the latter more dark space

7) 'Akea'- Piano Quintet, my choice for a chamber representaion

'L'Isle de Goree'- Harpsichord Concerto, very special piece based on the African slave island


I limited to his High Maturity, the pieces I think are most communicative?.........mmm...

[snyprrr]

Bout ready to whip out the TimpaniBox.

Roai
Kyania
Krinoidi