"La Jalousie" is a captivating journey into the avant-garde compositions of Heiner Goebbels, released in 1993 under the prestigious ECM New Series label. This album, spanning just over an hour, showcases Goebbels' unique blend of theatricality and musical innovation, performed by the renowned Ensemble Modern.
The album opens with "La jalousie (Geräusche aus einem Roman)," a piece inspired by Alain-Robbe Grillet's novel, weaving sounds and narratives into a compelling sonic landscape. "Red Run (9 Songs for 11 Instruments)" follows, a composition that explores the interplay between various instruments, creating a dynamic and engaging musical experience. "Herakles 2 (Für 5 Blechblaser, Schlagzeug und Sampler)" adds a contemporary edge with its use of brass instruments, drums, and samplers, while "Befreiung (Konzertante Szene für Sprecher und Ensemble nach einem Text von Rainald Goetz)" features spoken word, adding a dramatic and literary dimension to the album.
Recorded in May 1992 at the Performance Studios in Frankfurt am Main, the album benefits from the expertise of recording engineers Leslie Stuck and Andreas Neubronner, with mixing and editing handled by Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studio in Oslo. Produced by Manfred Eicher, "La Jalousie" is a testament to Goebbels' eclectic style, seamlessly blending jazz, theater, and contemporary classical music. This album is a standout work in Goebbels' discography, offering a rich and immersive listening experience that highlights his innovative approach to composition and performance.