More that 30 years had passed since our last experimental duet. Tony arrived and decided he could stay for several days in Brussels and we casually started to play together one afternoon
Aude, my wife, remarks about that special moment that in 5 minutes if not less she heard a natural musical chemistry of beauty and power that greatly impressed her yet. Tony and i hadn't played discussed or conversed about sound or anything in over 30 years None the less the result were totally surprising dazzling and deeply satisfyingg so that we do some concerts together in Paris, Nantes, Naples & Brussels, the present recording made in October 2005 at the Mercelis Theatre in Brussels on " Luc Ferrari Day " (the day that Pompidou Center in Paris presented an entire day in honor of the French composer Luc Ferrari who had jsut recently died in Italy) Our duet had no title though we were very conscious of Luc Ferrari's " presence in spirit " during that evening. How is it that Tony and i can play so magically together without ever discussing or planning or or anything ? ? ? i have no idea ! ! !IT'S AN AURAL SYMBIOTIC MYSTERY ! ! ! ! ! !
Charlemagne Palestine wrote intense, ritualistic music in the 1970s, intended by the composer to rub against audiences' expectations of what is beautiful and meaningful in music.
A composer-performer, he always performed his own works as soloist. His earliest works were compositions for carillon and electronic drones, and he is best known for his intensely performed piano works. He also performs as a vocalist. Palestine's performance style is ritualistic; he generally surrounds himself (and his piano) with stuffed animals, smokes large numbers of kretek (Indonesian clove cigarettes) and drinks cognac.