for mezzo-soprano, alto flute, viola and percussion
This work is the 5th part in the TANTRIC CYCLE, a series of compositions inspired by Eastern philosphy.
It was recorded on the CD 'Disappearing in Light' with also RAGA III and THE FOUR ELEMENTS (HERMESensemble).
DISAPPEARING IN LIGHT for mezzo-soprano, alto flute, viola and percussion was commissioned by Inspiratum on the occasion of the 60th birthday of art lover and dealer Axel Vervoordt, to be performed in different locations at the Kanaal in Wijnegem (Belgium).
Later there were also performances in Venice, Paris, Antwerp and Utrecht with Wim Henderickx as the conductor.
In 2010 the composer rewrote this work in a version for TRUMPET, ALTO FLUTE, VIOLA AND PERCUSSION for performance in Neuss (Germany).
The composition contains 3 main parts: Darkness, Meditation and Light and 2 interludes. These interludes are constructed mantras by the composer. The first interlude is rhythmical, the second is more melodious.
The location of the musicians in the venue is very important.
Part 1 must be performed in the dark with only the musicians lighted, part 2 in a half-dark atmosphere and part 3 fully illuminated.
The composition is, as other works in the Tantric Cycle, based on the tantric mode, a self constructed microtonal musical scale. From this mode series were constructed to become the basics for the melodical and harmonical material of the work.
On the rhythmical level the composer chose for a duality beween exact time indications and a more free indication. Different serial procedures were used.
The text is constructed according to the same strategies as the organizing of the other parameters.
QUOTES from REVIEWS UK (2015)
GRAMOPHONE:
‘Henderickx engages deeply with the question of ‘integration’ and has produced a distinctive style that is true both to itself and to the cultures and traditions upon which it draws’.
‘Raga III (2010) for viola and electronics, is a reworking of Henderickx’s earlier Raga III (1995) for viola and orchestra…, the solo part played here with plenty of warmth and expression by the excellent Marc Tooten’.
MUSIC WEB INTERNATIONAL:
‘This is one of those intriguing West-meets-East programmes ... it is a potent source of expression which gathers and filters Eastern music and rituals through the composer's experience, his interpretations transforming familiar instruments and the human voice into worlds which for most of us are distant and unknown.’
'Well recorded and superbly performed by members of the HERMESensemble.’
INTERNATIONAL RECORD REVIEW:
‘The works on this CD have a toughness and integrity that command the listener’s attention'
‘Disappearing in Light (2008) starts most arrestingly with mezzo-soprano Mireille Capelle, who is quite a wonder, urgently communicating with us.’
‘Violist Marc Tooten, for whom this work was written, brings heroic control and firmness of purpose to his difficult task’.
‘Nothing on the CD is easy, yet the burning sincerity of Henderickx’s ‘unwoolly’ work shines through and keeps one coming back for more’.
THE CLASSICAL REVIEWER:
'It is impressive how Henderickx builds such fragmentary themes and motifs to create the feeling of something more structured and coherent.'
'This is rather individual music quite unlike any other composer I have heard. For all its exotic and unusual writing this music holds the listener’s attention not by gimmicks but by pure beauty, atmosphere and invention.'
'The music builds a terrific weaving of melody textures and colours with lovely electronic sounds provided by Jorrit Tamminga.'
'This is an astounding disc full of terrific textures, harmonies and colours. It is impressively recorded with exquisite instrumental detail.’
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Cd 'Disappearing in Light' |
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