An undeniable invention and creative thrust, but very hit an unstoppable and very fair sharpness; simply austere and a sharp cleaver. In a relentless density where one has the impression of not being able to breathe at times; or should we just let resonate in us so rich and numerous agreements that overlap almost? Full perception of the work requires to be focused and always keep and accommodate the interests of attentive listening, without losing the way.
And all done with two simple instruments: just 2 pianos! They are supposed to be independent: they play well together. The density effect is doubled.
Pierre Boulez himself created the "Second Book" of "Structures" on 10.21.1961 in Donaueschingen in partnership with Yvonne Loriod. This means that it can play the piano, besides having composed for him!
Unlike his works very condensed, collected and dense to the extreme, they generously stretch material to go in all possible directions, with an almost uncontrollable creative thrust. But then what could be the follow-up to this climax of the form?
Next wind of novelty, discovery and time barriers lifted, there generalized the serial principle [use of the 12 notes forming a line in a first predetermined order] on the main components of sound: pitch, duration, intensity, timbre. An "iron" discipline in the service of the invention is in essence he liked to recall as a personal manifesto. With his authoritarian leadership of that time, rejecting everything "sticking" of another language ...
At a concert of his works, Claude Rostand wrote: "Extraordinary density, stripped and intense style, served by an implacable and flexible technique, as well as fleshy sound, dry and strong. No swoon, a bronze game. " Extraordinary accuracy and descriptive density. He said while a few words.
The great György Ligeti himself analyzed the "1st book" of these "Structures" in the journal "Die Reihe IV" in 1958. Almost twenty years later, the Master Ligeti himself used the same device - 2 pianos - at 3 studies of its "Portrait - Monument - Self portrait" of 1976, which were created by the same Kontarsky brothers! We see them, the pianos quiconce, no smile, concentrated in the extreme, sometimes raising his hands and wrists above the body ...
Historical way too, Pierre Boulez would call the "First Book" of his "Structures": "On the edge of fertile land," referring to the eponymous painting by Paul Klee; painter whom he recognized him and who so influenced.
The break occurs in all cells, by disposing of all the unnecessary baggage of history ...
Wonderful sense of touch of the famous brothers in a surgical precision, with the use of "randomized controlled" enjoyable. A preference for the second of these "Books", with some freedom as a result of the "integral serialism" in the "Book 1".
The excitement of the "perfect fit" for this historical version.
