Louis Andriessen
De Stijl
(hear it)

Wow. I totally forgot how much I like this CD. I originally got into Louis Andriessen from my favorite Bang On A Can CD, Industry. In the original BOAC series of recordings each CD has a collection of tracks by different contemporary composers, played by the "Bang On A Can All-Stars". I kept acquiring their collections year after year, although each only had one or two pieces I really connected with - for example, "Failure: A Very Difficult Piece for Upright String Bass" on the first volume, involved a bassist reciting prose, playing a very difficult bass part, and then improvising in the same style, all at the same time. Industry is the first one on which every track really blows me away. The title track hit me first. It is a solo piece for an Electric Cello modified by Ibanez Tube Screamer distortion pedal - kind of the epitome of Bang On A Can's early esthetic, I think. But the Andriessen is what I think about more and more. The piece there is interesting because it features a double-ensemble, each playing the same tune, but off by one beat.

This piece, "De Stijl", also features a double ensemble, but it's much less conceptually defined. It is basically a long, structured exposition of one rather rythmic, jazz-harmonied theme.

At about 15 to 18 minutes in (out of 25), a trash-percussion solo totally surprised and excited me. Basically they're playing the theme fairly straightforwardly, but the sound is just incredible. I need to write some percussion music.

Only one part of "De Stijl" nonplusses me. At about 22 or so, maybe a little earlier, the band suddenly plays a rather banal straightforward blues-rock riff. I'm sure analysis would teach me why this is the best part, but as it is, as a listening music, it seems out of place. Maybe Andriessen just wants to give some thematic contrast for those whose attention has waned.

bb, 26 Jan 08