Mauricio Kagel: Kantrimiusik

"Kantrimiusik" is a captivating exploration of country music and folkloric influences within the realm of avant-garde classical music, crafted by the innovative composer Mauricio Kagel. This unique album, released posthumously in 2008, is a testament to Kagel's distinctive approach to instrumental theater and his ability to blend disparate musical elements into a cohesive and intriguing whole.

Composed between 1973 and 1975, "Kantrimiusik" is a pastorale that weaves together a tapestry of rustic sounds, including birdsong, horses, and other "found" noises, with traditional vocal and instrumental elements. The result is a pastoral symphony that challenges and expands the boundaries of conventional classical music.

The album features eight distinct movements, each separated by intermediums that serve as transitions between the main sections. These intermediums add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the overall composition, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.

"Kantrimiusik" was premiered in April 2008 by the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and conductor Oliver Knussen, just months before Kagel's passing in September of the same year. The album was released by Winter & Winter in December 2008, and later reissued in March 2009.

With a duration of just over 45 minutes, "Kantrimiusik" is a concise yet powerful exploration of Kagel's unique musical vision. Fans of avant-garde music and those interested in the intersection of classical and folk traditions will find much to appreciate in this thought-provoking and innovative work.