Helmut Lachenmann: Works for Voice and Ensemble

Dive into the avant-garde world of Helmut Lachenmann with this compelling collection of works for voice and ensemble. Released in 2001 on the KAIROS label, this album spans nearly an hour of innovative compositions that challenge and expand the boundaries of traditional music. Helmut Lachenmann is renowned for his unique approach to sound, making "noise" a central component of his compositions. This album is a testament to his pioneering spirit, featuring pieces that range from the hauntingly beautiful to the strikingly experimental.

The album opens with "Mouvement (- Vor der Erstarrung)," a piece that showcases Lachenmann's ability to create intricate textures and sounds using an ensemble. "…zwei Gefühle…", Musik mit Leonardo" is a captivating work for two narrators and ensemble, while "Consolation I" and "Consolation II" highlight Lachenmann's mastery of vocal arrangements, with the former featuring 12 voices and four percussionists, and the latter showcasing 16 voices.

Helmut Lachenmann's compositions are not just about the notes; they are about the sounds themselves, how they evolve, attack, dissolve, and fade away. This album is a perfect introduction to Lachenmann's concept of "musique concrète instrumentale," where the transformation of sounds is as important as the sounds themselves. Whether you are a seasoned fan of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.