Jordan Dykstra.
The young composer Jordan Dykstra (1985) is a true jack-of-all-trades in contemporary, American music. His surname shows that his American family originates from the Netherlands. Yet, his serene, tranquil music breathes mostly the inaccessible vastness of the American landscape. A young composer and violin player who is fascinated by microtonal sound fields, minimal music, and thorough music experiments. Dykstra was a student of renowned experimental composers such as Alvin Lucier, Michael Pisaro, and Jürg Frey. Often he works together with Indie Pop formations like Dirty Projectors and Atlas Sound, and he writes film music as well. In this episode of Theme, we focus on Dykstra’s compositions for chamber ensemble, including a brand new piece for the Dutch piano player Reinier van Houdt. We will hear Dykstra’s work, in combination with the music of his teachers Lucier, Frey en Pisaro.
Playlist
1. Jordan Dykstra: ‘Ghosting No. 3’ (2017), for chamber ensemble, on Jordan Dykstra – The Arrow of Time. Ensemble conducted by Jordan Dykstra (viola). New World Records 80823-2 CD
2. Jordan Dykstra: ‘In The Snow’ (2008), for string trio, on Jordan Dykstra – The Arrow of Time. Morgan Evans-Weiler (violin), Jordan Dykstra (viola) and Laura Cetilia (cello). New World Records 80823-2 CD
3. Alvin Lucier: ‘Crossings’ (1982-84), for orchestra and slow sweep pure wave oscillator, on Alvin Lucier – Crossings. Orkest conducted by Robert Dick (flute). Lovely Music LCD 1018 CD
4. Michael Pisaro: ‘pi (2352-2420)’ (1999-2000), for piano and sine tones, on Michael Pisaro – The Earth and The Sky. Reinier van Houdt (piano) + Michael Pisaro (electronics) Erstwhile Records ErstClass 001-3 CD
5. Michael Pisaro: ‘Akasa’ (1996), for piano, on Michael Pisaro – The Earth and The Sky. Reinier van Houdt (piano) Erstwhile Records ErstClass 001-3 CD
6. Jordan Dykstra: ‘The Arrow of Time’ (2019), for piano, sirene, and tape, on Jordan Dykstra – The Arrow of Time. Reinier van Houdt (piano, sirene) + Jordan Dykstra (tape/playback). New World Records 80823-2 CD
7. Jürg Frey: ‘String Quartet no. 3’ (2010-2014) for string quartet, on Jürg Frey – String Quartet No. 3/Unhörbare Zeit. Quatuor Bozzini. Edition Wandelweiser. EWR1507 CD
Compiled by: Mark van de Voort
