Immerse yourself in the avant-garde world of Morton Feldman with "Feldman, Vol. 9: Composing by Numbers." Released on April 26, 2005, under Mode Records, this album is a testament to Feldman's innovative approach to composition, particularly his use of graphic notation. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album is a collection of 13 tracks that showcase Feldman's minimalist, avant-garde, and drone genres, offering a rich tapestry of sound and texture.
The album begins with the "Projection" series, a set of five pieces that Feldman notated using graph paper instead of traditional manuscript, a technique he employed between 1950 and 1967. These pieces are followed by the "Intersection" series, which includes "Intersection I," "Marginal Intersection," and "Intersection II," "Intersection III," and "Intersection IV." Each of these compositions is a study in tonal exploration and soundstage, with Feldman's signature eclectic timbres and prismatic texturing.
The album concludes with "Out of Last Pieces," "The Straits of Magellan," and "In Search of an Orchestration," each offering a unique perspective on Feldman's compositional style. "The Straits of Magellan" is particularly notable for its extended durations and cyclical textures, which give the listener ample space to appreciate the nuances of the music.
Feldman, a key figure in the New York School of experimental composers, was known for his innovative use of notation and his focus on the static, textural aspects of music. His work, as heard in this album, is a testament to his unique vision and his enduring influence on contemporary classical music. Whether you're a seasoned fan of minimalist music or a newcomer looking to explore the avant-garde, "Feldman, Vol. 9: Composing by Numbers" is an essential addition to your collection.