Credits:

BBC Scottish Symphony Orc

Description:

A major Beethoven collage by the master of French experimental electronic music! Pierre Henry, who passed away in 2017, boldly collaged Beethoven's nine symphonies, first released on tape in 1979, followed by electroacoustic albums in 1988 and remixes in 1998. For the first time, Henri's own longing to record the piece with live instruments has been fulfilled. Originally a 12-movement work, the eight movements here are all movements, omitting 1, 2, 8, and 9. The score is made up of various phrases from Beethoven's symphonies, which are cut into small pieces and reconnected, and the three conductors make full use of the three separate orchestras to superimpose them at completely different tempos, while also introducing vocal music at the end of the piece. It is as if multiple turntables or pre-recorded performances are being used, and is a very thrilling attempt to recreate the Musique Concrète, of which Henri is considered one of the founders, in live performance.At first listen, the piece seems disjointed and disorganized, but the overlapping harmonies and rhythms are precisely calculated, and when you lose yourself in the sound, you somehow feel very comfortable with it. Naxos Japan