Iannis Xenakis: Kraanerg

UPC: 764593019695

Studio: Mode

Summary: This avant garde release documents an unusual musical event held in 1969. That year, the idiosyncratic Greco-Romanian composer Iannis Xenakis authored a score to celebrate the gala opening of Ottawa's National Arts Centre, comprised of woodwinds, strings, brass and prerecorded 4-channel tape featuring versions of orchestral music restructured in a studio. On a thematic level, Xenakis planned the score as an homage to the sweeping political tumult and chaos of Europe during the year prior; its debut performance (which is featured here) consists of a live set by the Callithumpian Consort Ensemble, under the leadership of Stephen Drury, set to a ballet choreographed by Roland Petit with sets by Victor Vasarely. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Category: Dance [nf]

Features: First Surround -sound release of Kraanerg
Mode returned to the 4-track analog tapes and remastered them for this release - revealing previously unheard detail, clarity and extended low-end frequencies

First recording to strictly respect the silences indicated in Xenakis' score

Interview on Kraanerg's history featuring Xenakis expert James Harley with Gerard Pape (director of Xenakis' CCMIX studio 1991-2008), Fran?oise Xenakis (the composer's wife, author and media personality), and Veronica Tennant (a lead dancer in the ballet's premiere).

Additional documentary on Kraanerg's tape with German electronic composer Daniel Teige, with musical examples

Liner notes by James Harley

Iannis Xenakis: Kraanerg

Format: Digital Video Disc (DVD)

Release Date: 05/13/2008

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Pre-1954 Standard

Audio: DD5.0 Dolby Digital 5.0, DTS Digital Theater Systems, DD5.1 Dolby Digital 5.1

Runtime: 120 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Subtitles: English,German,French

Region: Universal Compatability

Cast and Crew: Michael Hynes  Producer 
Brian Brandt  Producer 
Tim Chu  Director 

Country: Canada