The recording of this album involved extensive experimentation with sound, including filling buckets with water at different levels and using sheets of foil and baking paper to create unique timbres.
Recording & Production
For the 'deep bass' sound in Xenakis's Okho, the trio used a large orchestral bass drum, slackened to the maximum, and played it with an entire arm and hands to achieve a natural impact.
Performer Biography
The Xenakis Trio chose their name because Iannis Xenakis, a major composer for them, dedicated a significant part of his work to percussion and pioneered a new repertoire.
Interpretation
The Xenakis Trio conducted extensive research with composer Philippe Hurel to carefully select instruments like woodblocks, stacked cymbals, and rototoms for his Ritual Trio, ensuring each instrument's quality contributed to powerful, striking effects.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Iannis Xenakis's Diatope, a montage of drawings for the Polytope commissioned by the Georges Pompidou Centre, reflects an impression of innovation and sonic immersion that resonates with the trio's work.
Interpretation
The Xenakis Trio decided to record this album live to capture the intensity and physical nature of their percussion performances, which they feel are more powerful in a concert setting.
