By zkr director REINHOLD FRIEDL’s personal request now available on vinyl for the first time: zeitkratzer's critically acclaimed interpretations of groundbreaking compositions by JAMES TENNEY.
JAMES TENNEY (1934 - 2006) was a composer, music theorist and pioneer especially in the field of microtonal music, being an influential part of the so-called New York avantgarde scene (CAGE, FELDMAN). Besides his compositonal work, TENNY was teacher at various universities with students like CHARLEMAGNE PALESTINE, CARL STONE or CATHERINE LAMB, and a close friend with ELIANE RADIGUE.
This album by zeitkratzer presents three compostions by TENNEY whose music has been part of zeitkratzer’s repertoire since their beginning:
# „Critical Band“ – TENNEY’s late classic – with maximum clarity and precision of bearing tone rhythms and microtonal tuning as light effect.
# the first recording of „Harmonium #2“.
Both works demonstrate the remarkable power and resplendent sharpness which TENNEY achieved with his microtonal settings.
# „Koan: Having Never Written A Note For Percussion“ (incl. in the download) is an orgiastic listening experience in the form of a huge crescendo on a tam-tam - from whispering to singing, culminating in shrill roaring and blustering – and it’s dark decay.
zeitkratzer’s approach to TENNEY’s music as a sensual sound adventure, finally available on vinyl!
Press quotes:
The intelligence of the ensemble’s interpretations evinces their long-term engagement with these complex pieces, as well as a willingness to interrogate and re-examine them ... The rigour and discipline they collectively bring to these compositions make the discs utterly enthralling, from start to finish.
The Wire
si cela doit produire une telle qualité de jeu, une telle renaissance aux compositeurs "old school" on ne peut que en demander plus.
Revue et Corrigée
… executed with dutiful precision, permeated by a sort of inimical imperturbability
Touching Extreme
… ein Faszinosum, dessen Puls und Sog schwer zu widerstehen ist.
Bad Alchemy
For those unfamiliar with either of these modern American composers, their performance of three of Tenney’s ‘swell pieces’ is probably the best place to start.
Rockarolla
Das ist berauschend, ein minimalistisch kreisender Sog, in dem Avantgarde
und Schönheit nicht als Gegensätze gedacht werden.
Testcard
Outstanding stuff - highly recommended.
Boomkat
credits
released November 4, 2022
zeitkratzer
directed by Reinhold Friedl
Frank Gratkowski … clarinet
Hayden Chisholm … alto saxophone
Matt Davis … trumpet
Hilary Jeffery … trombone
Reinhold Friedl … piano, e-bow
Maurice De Martin … bowed marimba, tam-tam
Burkhard Schlothauer … violin
Anton Lukoszevieze … cello
Ulrich Phillipp … double bass
Ralf Meinz … sound
recorded live at Philharmonie Luxembourg, October 3rd 2009
mixed and mastered by Ralf Meinz and Reinhold Friedl
produced by Burkhard Schlothauer
executive producer: Reinhold Friedl
vinyl cut by Kassian Troyer at D&M, Berlin
“There is a quality I would use to describe something going on in the music of Kali Malone. In Living Torch, I feel what I would call “the isness of what is happening,” breaching denial, inciting acknowledgement & caring, in the midst of devastation, & holding it still.”
My full review essay at https://eliotcardinaux.wordpress.com/2024/06/05/kali-malone-living-torch/ eliotcardinaux
Amazing album! I love all the tracks. The quality of this recording has far greater depth and clarity to other recordings I have of MMG. This recording has taken me places and disrupted time. An important piece to listen to in any format and a must to own on vinyl! dobbin
This collection of studio and live pieces from 2016-2020 highlights synth maestro Papiro's playful, psychedelic side. Bandcamp New & Notable May 25, 2021