Iannis Xenakis - Iannis Xenakis: Persephassa / Pléïades (LP)

Dive into the avant-garde world of Iannis Xenakis with this captivating album, "Persephassa / Pléïades," released on September 7, 2022, via ALM Records. This collection is a testament to Xenakis' innovative spirit, featuring two seminal works for six percussionists that push the boundaries of experimental music.

The album opens with "Persephassa," a groundbreaking piece composed in 1969. This work is renowned for its unique spatial arrangement, where the audience is placed at the center of a circle formed by the performers, creating an immersive sonic experience. The intricate interplay of percussion instruments showcases Xenakis' mastery of rhythm and texture.

Following "Persephassa" is "Pléïades," composed a decade later in 1979. This four-movement suite, performed by the esteemed Percussions de Strasbourg, explores a diverse range of percussion instruments and techniques. Each movement—"Métaux" (Metals), "Claviers" (Keyboards), "Peaux" (Skins), and "Mélanges" (Blends)—offers a distinct sonic landscape, highlighting Xenakis' ability to create complex and engaging compositions.

The album, performed by Shiniti Uéno and PHONIX Réflexion, spans 74 minutes of captivating soundscapes, making it an essential addition to any avant-garde music enthusiast's collection. Xenakis' innovative approach to composition and his pioneering use of percussion make this album a standout in the experimental genre.