Xenakis

Works With Piano [DVD]

Label: Mode Country: USA

"Aki Takahashi follows up her acclaimed first disc of Xenakis piano works (which won the 'Diapason d'or' in France) with this second volume -- this time works for piano with instruments. She is joined by an all-star cast of players: Rohan de Saram (formerly of the Arditti Quartet), the JACK Quartet, and the Callithumpian Consort conducted by Stephen Drury. All works are underrepresented in current recordings or difficult to find at all. The legendary Eonta -- a blistering work with one of the most difficult piano parts ever written -- receives its first new recording in over 10 years. The brass writing specifies spatialized movement for the brass players -- including playing directly into the piano for its resonance -- both dramatic to see and hear. Akea 1968, written for Claude Helffer and the Arditti Quartet, is not a typical addition to the romantic tradition of the piano quintet. It signaled the beginning of a more inward, reflective phase of Xenakis' output. Morisima/Amorsima was composed with the aid of a computer in 1962. This is the only readily available recording. Paille In The Wind (1992) for piano & cello performed with Rohan de Saram. This is the only available recording."-Mode Records