Gaudy Chamber Sounds.
From Pierrot Sextet to Double Sextet, and from Triple Duo to Quintet: in their search for timbres and instrumental consonances which are not heard before, composers like to juggle with unusual ensemble compositions. In chamber music they can experiment with eccentric compositions to their hart’s content. Take the six-headed Pierrot Ensemble or the peculiar instrument duos in various centuries. Especially, American composers don’t stick obediently to the traditional chamber music ensemble compositions. In this episode of Theme, you hear several gaudy examples of, among others, Elliott Carter, Robert Erickson, Steve Reich and Max Giteck Duykers.
Playlist:
1. Elliott Carter: ‘Risoluto’ from ‘Sonata for Flute, Oboe, Cello & Harpsichord’ (1952), on Elliott Carter: A Nonesuch Retrospective. Harvey Sollberger (flute) Charles Kuskin (oboe), Fred Sherry (cello), Paul Jacobs (harpsichord). Nonesuch 510893-2 CD-box
2-7. Elliott Carter: ‘Triple Duo’ (1982), on Elliott Carter: A Nonesuch Retrospective. The Fires of London. Nonesuch 510893-2 CD-box
8. Robert Erickson: ‘Fives’ (1988) for Quintet, on Robert Erickson: Duo, Fives, Quintet, Trio. Camera Lucida. New World Records 80808-2 CD
9. Robert Erickson: ‘Trio’ (1986) for Clarinet, Cello and Harp, on Robert Erickson: Duo, Fives, Quintet, Trio. Camera Lucida. New World Records 80808-2 CD
10. Max Giteck Duykers: ‘Folding Music’ (2017) for Sextet, on Max Giteck Duykers: Folding Music. Ensemble Ipse. New World Records 80811-2 CD
11. Max Giteck Duykers: ‘Twilight for Adored and Breathless Moments’ (2007) for Sextet, on Max Giteck Duykers: Folding Music. Ensemble Ipse. New World Records 80811-2 CD
12-14. Steve Reich: ‘Double Sextet’ (2007) for Sextet, on Steve Reich: Double Sextet/2×5. Ensemble Eighth Blackbird. Nonesuch 7559-79786-4 CD
15 . Robert Erickson: ‘Quintet’ (1985) for Quintet, on Robert Erickson: Duo, Fives, Quintet, Trio. Camera Lucida. New World Records 80808-2 CD
