Dive into the avant-garde world of Giacinto Scelsi with the comprehensive collection "Scelsi: Intégrale des quatuors à cordes et Trio à cordes." Released on June 7, 2024, by Les Disques ATMA Inc., this album is a testament to Scelsi's innovative spirit and his unique contributions to minimalism and avant-garde music. Spanning over an hour and forty minutes, this double-CD set features the complete string quartets and a string trio, performed by the renowned Quatuor Molinari.
Scelsi, born in 1905 and passing in 1988, was a pioneer in exploring microtonality and the expressive potential of single notes. His works often delve into deep emotional and spiritual territories, and this collection is no exception. The album includes five string quartets and one string trio, each offering a distinct journey through Scelsi's intricate and introspective compositions.
The first string quartet opens with a dramatic and intense first movement, showcasing the range of emotions Scelsi could evoke with his music. The second quartet is notable for its slow, funeral-like second movement, while the third quartet's movements are titled with evocative phrases like "Avec une grande tendresse" and "Libération, catharsis." The fourth and fifth quartets continue to explore the depths of human experience, with the fifth quartet being particularly notable for its complex and layered structure.
The string trio, performed by an unspecified ensemble, complements the quartets beautifully, offering a different texture and dynamic to the collection. The trio's four movements provide a counterpoint to the quartets, showcasing Scelsi's versatility and innovation.
This album is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde and minimalist music, as well as for those interested in the evolution of 20th-century classical music. The Quatuor Molinari's performance is impeccable, capturing the essence of Scelsi's vision and bringing his compositions to life with precision and passion. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado of Scelsi's work or a newcomer to his music, this collection offers a profound and enriching listening experience.