On Mon, 01 Jul 2002 20:56:36 +0000 "Brent Fariss" wrote:
How is the Heterophonie cd by Kagel? I have been keeping me eyes out for this one. I would love some sort of review.
HETEROPHONIE is an early piece by Kagel (1959-1961). This record is a reissue of the sixties conduction by Michael Gielen. HETEROPHONIE is in the spirit of its time (late fifties) and place (Germany, Cologne): post-dodecaphonic (serial). For a casual listener like me, it is hard to differentiate it from other serial pieces written during the same period (such as Stockhausen's GRUPPEN, for example). The liner notes are quite full of commentaries on how this composition differs from other serial pieces, but I would lie by saying that it is obvious. It is quite abstract and at the risk of looking irreverencious (or clueless), a little bit dry. Nevertheless, I love the dynamic of the orchestra and the interaction between the various sections. In short, this piece is not representative of what Kagel has been known for: musical theater. If you are a fan of fifties serial compositions, this is for you. If you want to know where Kagel is coming from, it is also for you. If you are looking for the playfulness, irreverence and dadaist side of "enfant terrible" Kagel, this is not for you. Patrice.