Everyone knows Ligeti's swelling clouds of sound in '2001: A Space Odyssey'. They seem as infinite as the universe. With no beginning or end, yet within these static fields of sound each voice is nevertheless busily occupied. In Ligeti's 'Kammerkonzert', the same fascinating clouds of sound are created by fifteen soloists. Each has his own metre, tempo, and agenda. 'Irregular order!' as Ligeti triumphantly declared.
This formless music contrasts sharply with Bartók's Sonata for two pianos and percussion. This is the peak of raw expressionism. To the extent that the question arises of what is more percussive, the percussion or the piano? One thing is for certain: this concert will make sparks fly. This is what is promised by Het Collectief, which invariably combines a delight in playing with precision and expression.
Het Collectief (16)
Robin Engelen, conductor
2017.02.17 DeSingel Antwerp (B) - première