On"Kontinent Varèse" col legno has assembled seven major works of a pioneer of electronic music, performed e.g. by the Ensemble Modern Orchestra, the RSO Vienna and Martin Grubinger!
Edgar Varèse is regarded as one of the pioneers of New Music, and with good reason. His piece “Ionisation” was the first-ever composition written exclusively for percussion ensemble to be performed in a traditional concert hall setting; and he explored and searched intensely for sonic experiences. Varèse integrated first the world of sounds, then electronic instruments into traditional orchestras, thereby opening a door to a new awareness of listening. His work substantially influenced those generations of composers that came after him: a link between the beautiful, the exciting and the musically unfamiliar. The 2009 Salzburg Festival dedicated its “Kontinente” series to this brilliant New Music pioneer – and we are delighted to present these excellent recordings to you!
Edgar Varèse is regarded as one of the pioneers of New Music, and with good reason. His piece “Ionisation” was the first-ever composition written exclusively for percussion ensemble to be performed in a traditional concert hall setting; and he explored and searched intensely for sonic experiences. Varèse integrated first the world of sounds, then electronic instruments into traditional orchestras, thereby opening a door to a new awareness of listening. His work substantially influenced those generations of composers that came after him: a link between the beautiful, the exciting and the musically unfamiliar. The 2009 Salzburg Festival dedicated its “Kontinente” series to this brilliant New Music pioneer – and we are delighted to present these excellent recordings to you!
Details
Cat. number: WWE 1CD 20295
Year: 2011
Notes:
1 Ionisation for perc. ensemble of 13 players (1929–31) 06:59
2 Offrandes for soprano and chamber orchestra (1921) 06:53
3 Hyperprism for 9 winds and percussionists (1922–23) 03:58
4 Intégrales for 11 winds and 8 percussionists (1924–25) 09:50
5 Ecuatorial for bass voice, 8 brass, piano, organ, 2 ondes Martenot and 6 percussionists (1932–34) 11:14
6 Amériques for orchestra (1918–1921/1927) 25:08
7 Ionisation for perc. ensemble of 13 players (1929–31) 07:03
total time: 01:11:05
