Johannes Ciconia / Guillaume de Machaut / Brian Ferneyhough / Benedict Mason
the neurons, the tongue, the cochlea… the breath, the resonance ...
© Flûte de cuivre créée par Benedict Mason ©
Benedict Mason
Hinterstoisser Traverse pour ensemble
the neurons, the tongue, the cochlea… the breath, the resonance
for twenty-twoi musicians playing newly created instruments
Tant doucement me sens emprisonnes (four voices)
Le ray au soleyl (three voices)
Codex ChantillyRodericus, Angelorum psalat tripudium
Pierre de Molins, De ce que foul pense souvent ramaynt
(four voices)
With the participation of the Sacem, of Diaphonique, Franco-British Founds for contempory music, and British Council
With the participation of Mécénat Musical Société Générale, Ernst von Siemens Foundation for music
France Musique records and broadcasts this concert
A vast instrumentarium, both ancient and modern, is deployed for the neurons, the tongue, the cochlea… the breath, the resonance, taking the audience beyond the senses into the realm of the imagination. Hinterstoisser Traverse, referring to the tragic attempt to climb the north face of the Eiger in the Swiss Alps, expresses depth, height, distance and speed – perceived or real – in detailed, taut, three-dimensional music. Finis Terrae by Brian Ferneyhough, carrying on the tradition of English composers of the Renaissance and of Guillaume de Machaut, has proportion, precision and striking refinement, offering musical allegory and, ultimately, melancholy.