Jonny Greenwood, the innovative guitarist and composer from Radiohead, presents a captivating album that bridges the gap between classical and contemporary music. This album, released on Nonesuch, combines two seminal works from the early '60s by Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki with two of Greenwood's own compositions. The result is a unique and thought-provoking listening experience that spans just over 52 minutes.
The album opens with Penderecki's haunting "Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima," a piece that showcases the composer's radical early style. Greenwood's own "Popcorn Superhet Receiver" follows, a multi-part composition that demonstrates his experimental approach to music. The second half of the album features Penderecki's "Polymorphia," another piece that pushes the boundaries of traditional composition, and Greenwood's "48 Responses to Polymorphia," a series of variations that pay homage to Penderecki's work.
Greenwood's compositions, particularly "48 Responses to Polymorphia," highlight his role as Composer in Association with the BBC Concert Orchestra. This album is a testament to Greenwood's versatility and his ability to blend different musical styles and influences. Whether you're a fan of Radiohead, classical music, or experimental compositions, this album offers a fresh and engaging perspective that is sure to captivate and inspire.