#asko|schönberg

[d147]

[burlveneer-music]

Jameszoo with Asko|Schönberg - Music for 17 Musicians - a fresh take on minimalism, featuring "16 musicians and a self-governing disklavier"

Jameszoo (Mitchel van Dinther) returns to Brainfeeder with a wonderfully cinematic album embarking on adventures on the fringes of jazz and contemporary classical. Imbued with the same spirit of adventure and experimental outlook as his previous work on the label, ‘Music for 17 Musicians’ is a new work written for and performed by the renowned Dutch ensemble Asko|Schönberg, percussion group HIIIT and Jameszoo’s own “blind” group: Niels Broos (organ), Petter Eldh (electric bass) and Richard Spaven (drums). Much like in 2019 when he worked with the Grammy-winning Metropole Orkest and Jules Buckley to adapt his album ‘Fool’, ‘Music for 17 Musicians’ is a largely acoustic piece diving deeper into and reflecting on the ideas behind his 2022 album ‘Blind’. With 16 musicians and a self-governing disklavier taking center stage this album documents the Dutchman’s foray into contemporary classical music. The title is a nod to Steve Reich’s masterful 1978 album on ECM ‘Music for 18 Musicians’.

[nullarysources]

It's April 2, 2024, so you know what that means: it's time to post some Györgi Ligeti. Here's his piece "Clocks and Clouds," as performed by Asko|Schönberg (orchestra) and Capella Amsterdam (choir).

I personally find the score with the repeated patterns very satisfying to watch with the music.

[contemporaryclassicalfan]

Filmpje over 'Panorama de Leeuw'

Filmpje over ‘Panorama de Leeuw’

Op dinsdag 17 februari nam ik de zesde aflevering op van Panorama de Leeuw, het programma dat ik maak voor de Concertzender naar aanleiding van mijn biografie Reinbert de Leeuw, mens of melodie. Hans Bakhuizen maakte in opdracht van de Concertzender een smartphone-filmpje over het waarom en hoe van de uitzendingen. Dit staat inmiddels op YouTube. In aflevering VI ga ik nader in op De Leeuws…

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[nonesuchrecords]

It was 25 years ago today: Louis Andriessen's De Materie was released on Nonesuch Records. The Washington Post says it's "probably one of the most important musical works of the late 20th century." You can hear it again here. The 1996 double album features the piece in its entirety, performed by Asko|Schönberg, with members of the Netherlands Chamber Choir, and conducted by Reinbert de Leeuw.

Design by David Cohen. Cover: Willem van de Velde the Younger, Fishing Boats Offshore in a Calm (c. 1660), Museum of Fine Arts, Springfield, MA, James Philip Gray Collection.

[devantagepoint]

Day One: THE HOUSE TAKEN OVER

I arrived on Saturday morning in Marseille after an overnight flight from Philadelphia (via Munich). Thanks to the nice lady at Avis - she provided an Alfa Romeo for the subcompact price I booked :) - I had a pleasant drive from Marseille to Aix.  (Note: I am a bit of a car nut that has a bit of a lead foot so I was VERY happy)!!  The first opera of the trip was THE HOUSE TAKEN OVER by the incredibly talented Portuguese composer Vasco Mendonça, who studied with George Benjamin.  This chamber work produced at their ideal small outdoor venue, Grand Saint-Jean, about 30 minutes north of Aix en Provence. The entire evening was a treat - from the pastoral setting, the wonderfully simple charcuterie before-hand to a vivid production for two singers and 13 musicians. The score was richly written and brilliantly performed by the Asko|Schönberg ensemble and young singers, Oliver Dunn (baritone) and Kitty Whately (mezzo).  I am happy I saw this piece and will keep an eye on Mr. Mendonça. 

NOTE: George Benjamin was commissioned by the Festival D’Aix to write WRITTEN ON SKIN, which premiered here last summer and which I saw in Amsterdam in November – it is a work I thoroughly adore and am working on getting to Philadelphia.