Varèse often drew inspiration from higher mathematics or astronomy for his titles, as these sciences stimulated his imagination and gave him a sense of movement and rhythm.
Historical Context
New York City, a cosmopolitan hub, embodied modernity in the 20th century and fostered many artistic movements, including the 'New York School' and repetitive minimalism.
Composition History
Steve Reich's WTC 9/11 uses voice recordings from the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the New York City Fire Department, and interviews with friends and neighbors, transcribing their rhythms and pitches.
Performer Biography
Jérôme Comte, the clarinetist on this recording, joined the Ensemble Intercontemporain at the age of 25 and has performed Elliott Carter's Clarinet Concerto with Pierre Boulez.
Compositional Technique
Elliott Carter's Clarinet Concerto divides the ensemble into several groups, with each of its seven sections highlighting a different instrumental group that converses with the soloist.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Morton Feldman, a disciple of Varèse, stated that he imitated Varèse's 'attitude' rather than his music or style, focusing on exploring sound for its own sake.
Performer Biography
Jens McManama, the horn player on this recording, made his solo debut at age thirteen with the Seattle Orchestra and was appointed solo horn at La Scala in Milan in 1974.
