Giacinto Scelsi
Hurqualia / Hymnos / Chukrum
Hurqualia / Hymnos / Chukrum
Orchestre de la Radio-Télévision de Cracovie - Jürg Wyttenbach
Accord 201 112
This is a third and last album of the Scelsi's orchestral music set released by Accord. The music is masterly performed by the Radio-Television Orchestra and Choir of Krakow, directed by Jurg Wyttenbach. Most of these works are world premier recordings. The works recorded on this set belong to Scelsi's later phase, and attest to a supreme contribution in redefining classical music.
The three discs were recorded in 1988, 1989 and 1990 - shortly following Scelsi's death - and then packaged as a set. The first disc (Aion (1961), Pfhat (1974), Konx-Om-Pax (1969)) is the most powerful and characteristic of the set. Here we find Scelsi's most abstract and symphonic work, followed by his most singular and specific, followed by his most majestic and effective. Starting with the awesome rhythmic power of the first movement of Aion, the disc ends in the peaceful triumph of the final om-ing of Konx-Om-Pax, an incredible journey in sound. The second disc (Quattro Pezzi (1959), Anahit (1965), Uaxuctum (1966)) is the most varied and experimental of the set. It begins with Scelsi's most revolutionary exploration of the power of a single sound -- the piece which unlocks his great series of masterpieces during the 1960s, followed by his most beautifully lyrical orchestral work, and climaxing in the incredible mystic drama of his most complex and difficult creation. The third disc (Hurqualia (1960), Hymnos (1963), Chukrum (1963)) fills out the set. It begins with the epic return to full orchestra in Hurqualia, followed by the healing return to harmony in Hymnos, and ends the entire set with the symphonic 'quartet' Chukrum presenting all aspects of his mature style. Scelsi's music for orchestra is his supreme contribution to the most characteristic genre of western classical music -- these are pieces which will be heralded far into the future of music.CD1: Aion, Pfhat, Konx-Om-Pax
CD2: Quattro Pezzi, Anahit, Uaxuctum
CD3: Hurqualia, Hymnos, Chukrum