Iannis Xenakis

CD version. Kraanerg is one of Iannis Xenakis' most popular - and infamous - works. A visceral and highly charged score for woodwinds, brass, and strings along with quadrophonic tape. The title, Kraanerg, is a composite of two Greek words: "kraan", meaning to perfect, to accomplish; and "erg", signifying energy. Commissioned for the gala opening of the National Arts Centre (NAC) in Ottawa, Canada in 1968, Kraanerg originally was the score to a ballet choreographed by Roland Petit with "op-art" sets by Victor Vasarely. According to Xenakis' program notes, the title also referred to the "current youth movements" - 1968 was a significant year in modern social history - and to his utopian vision of the upcoming "biological struggle between generations unfurling all over the planet, destroying existing political, social, urban, scientific, artistic and ideological frameworks on a scale never before attempted by humanity." This powerful statement can be felt in the music. The dramatic 4-channel tape is derived from a recording of the orchestra, transformed and distorted. Its sonic textures kaleidoscopically expand the range of expression while at the same time remaining connected to the instrumental material. The 4-channel tape has been restored for this release from high-resolution transfers of the analog masters by German electronic composer Daniel Teige - revealing greater details in the texture and a wider dynamic range than previously heard on any Kraanerg recording. 96khz/24-bit high resolution recording.

Kraanerg (1968) for 23 instruments and 4-channel tape. First recording with restored analog tape. Callithumpian Consort, Stephen Drury, conductor.