Heiner Goebbels' "A House of Call - My Imaginary Notebook" is a captivating journey through sound and language, presented as a four-part cycle of invocations, prayers, poems, and songs for a large orchestra. This ambitious work is a testament to Goebbels' unique compositional style, blending classical orchestration with a diverse array of recorded voices and sounds collected from around the world. The album features the Ensemble Modern Orchestra responding to these voices, which Goebbels has gathered over years of travels, research, and chance encounters, dating from as early as 1906.
The album is structured into four main sections, each containing multiple movements that explore different themes and sonic landscapes. "Stein Schere Papier" opens the cycle, followed by "Grain de la Voix," "Wax and Violence," and "When Words Gone." Each section showcases Goebbels' intricate layering of orchestral textures and found sounds, creating a rich tapestry of audio experiences.
"A House of Call" is not just a musical album but also a historical and cultural exploration. It incorporates references to figures like Beckett and Rumi, and even includes recordings from World War I prisoners. The album's complexity and rawness are a direct response to the history and context of these recordings, offering a profound listening experience.
Commissioned by several prestigious organizations, including Ensemble Modern, Berliner Festspiele, and musica viva/Bayerischer Rundfunk, this album is a significant addition to Heiner Goebbels' discography. It is a testament to his innovative approach to composition and his ability to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive and compelling whole. The album's release on ECM New Series ensures a high standard of production and presentation, making it a standout release in the avant-garde genre.
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