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Music Group 2022-10-20
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Hyperprism (1923)
This is still my favorite musical work of the entire 20th Century.
It is scored for 9 wind and brass instruments and 9 percussionists.
Yes, those are police sirens you hear — Varèse
wanted to capture the caucophany of New York.
Déserts (1954)
Listen to the first seven minutes to get the idea.
World premiere, 1954, conducted by Hermann Scherchen.
Audience begins shouting at about 5:36.
Poéme Electronique (1958)
Composed to be heard while walking through the
Philips Pavilion
at the 1958 Brussels Exposition. I suggest that you close your eyes
and don't get distracted by the visuals.
Density 21.5 (1936/1946)
For solo flute. Specifically, Georges Barrère's platinum flute.
21.5 g/cc is the density of platinum.
Frank Zappa — Pedro's Dowry
From his London Symphony Orchestra album (1983).
Listen to the first two minutes.
Interesting analysis of the album (optional)
Frank Zappa — Nasal Retentive Calliope Music
From the album We're Only in it for the Money (1968).
Musique Concrete influenced by Poeme Electronique.
Lewis Berman — Quintessence (1980)
For solo flute. Influenced by Density 21.5.