Heiner Goebbels: Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten

Album Description

Heiner Goebbels' 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' is a captivating musical and literary tour de force, defying conventional genres and pushing the boundaries of music theatre. This avant-garde masterpiece, released on 13 November 2007 via ECM New Series, is a 1 hour and 19-minute journey through a rich tapestry of sounds and textures.

Conceived as an opera, 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' combines elements from multiple sources, often provocatively, to create a unique and thought-provoking experience. The work is based on a diverse range of texts, including those by Giordano Bruno, Gertrude Stein, and Henri Michaux, which explore the intersection of art and history.

Performed by the esteemed Ensemble Modern, with singers, actors, and choir, this production is a fantastical journey through world history, featuring a wide range of imagery, from Baroque societies and dancing dervishes to burning cities and down-at-heel cowboys. The music is a complex and innovative blend of styles, with each track offering a distinct perspective on the overall narrative.

Heiner Goebbels' innovative approach to music theatre has resulted in a work that is both challenging and rewarding, with a soundscape that is at once ascetic and opulent. 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' is a testament to the vitality and relevance of music theatre in the 21st century, and a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music and experimental performance.

13 nov 2007

℗ 2007 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Heiner Goebbels

Heiner Goebbels is a pioneering figure in contemporary music and theater, renowned for his innovative and avant-garde compositions. As a German composer and director, Goebbels has made a significant impact with his large-scale music-theatre works and ensemble compositions. His acclaimed piece "Stifters Dinge" and the critically praised "Hashirigaki" are testament to his unique artistic vision. Goebbels' work often reflects his responses to global events, as seen in his piece "Landscape with Distant Smoke," inspired by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Beyond his compositions, Goebbels has served as the artistic director of the Ruhrtriennale and is a professor at Justus-Liebig-University in Gießen. His productions, such as "Black on White" and "Surrogate Cities," showcase his ability to blend music and theater into immersive experiences. Whether conducting or directing, Heiner Goebbels continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, captivating audiences with his thought-provoking and emotionally resonant works.