Cambridge Music Festival: GĖRARD GRISEY 'TALEA'

Nicholas Moroz director

 

Fausto Romitelli Nell’alto dei giorni immobili

Kaija Saariaho NoaNoa

Lisa Illean Weather a Rare Blue

Gérard Grisey Talea

 

Many sounds go into a single note. When a bell tolls, we hear a dominant note surrounded by a halo of harmonics and softer sounds. In 1970s Paris, the composer Gérard Grisey began to analyse these acoustic properties and explore their creative possibilities. In his music, the harmonics and details of sound are magnified or brought to the fore. The results can be sensual, mysterious or dream-like – and came to be known as ‘Spectralism’.

Grisey’s music – including Talea – and his pioneering approach to composition has influenced generations of composers. That legacy can be heard in the music of Saariaho, Romitelli and Illean performed by the sextet and electronics of Explore Ensemble.

 

‘One of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard, and proof positive that Explore Ensemble are just outstanding.’

5:4 Review