"Hyperstring Trilogy" by Tod Machover is a groundbreaking exploration into the fusion of classical music, art rock, and avant-garde elements, released on April 4, 2006, via Oxingale Records. This ambitious work spans a duration of 1 hour and 4 minutes, showcasing Machover's innovative approach to composition and performance.
The album features a unique ensemble of instruments enhanced with technology, dubbed "hyperstrings," designed to amplify the performers' expressive capabilities. The stellar lineup includes Matt Haimovitz on hypercello, Kim Kashkashian on hyperviola, and Ani Kavafian on hyperviolin, accompanied by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project under the direction of Gil Rose.
"Hyperstring Trilogy" is divided into three distinct suites, each pushing the boundaries of traditional instrumentation and composition. The first suite, "Begin Again Again...for Hypercello Solo," offers a solo performance by Matt Haimovitz, demonstrating the hypercello's versatility through a range of dynamic and expressive movements. The second suite, "Song of Penance for Hyperviola, Computer Voice, and 17 Instrumentals," combines the hyperviola with a computer voice and a diverse array of instruments, creating a rich and textured soundscape. The final suite, "Forever and Ever for Hyperviolin and Chamber Orchestra," features the hyperviolin in a collaborative setting with a chamber orchestra, culminating in a joyous and uplifting coda.
Machover's "Hyperstring Trilogy" is not just an album; it is a testament to the composer's visionary spirit and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. With its innovative use of technology and its bold exploration of new sonic territories, this album stands as a landmark achievement in contemporary classical music.
Vinylscout