Traces Three

A 4 track musique concrete album (49m 53s) — released June 30th 2014 on Recollection GRM

Cut by Rashad Becker at Dubplates & Mastering, Berlin, January 2014
Digital Transfer: Jonathan Fitoussi,Christophe Jolibois
Translations: Valérie Vivancos

Layout: Stephen O'Malley
Coordination GRM: Christian Zanési & François Bonnet

Executive Production: Peter Rehberg

Charles Clapaud " Ruptures " (1978)
The idea of the break (rupture) as a disruptive phenomenon should be integrated into discourses and perceived musically: to break the silence, a matter, shapes, plans...
In this musical piece, two main parts can clearly be identified: In the first part, the chaotic activity of the sound material (crumbled, fragmented, discontinuous forms) blossoms into a static burst. A sustained deep tone settles within a sort of "Cadence" and highlights a solo sequence of discontinuous sound "lines". The entire sound spectrum then erupts, abruptly interrupted by three loud blasts.
In the second part, the fragmented form unfolds as a whole initial sequence, followed by a second one where other forms overlap in a kind of sound collage that induce emergence phenomena. The piece ends as a sharp break.
(C.C.)

Janez Matičič " Hypnos (extrait de Trois Visions) " (1975)
This non-progressive piece is composed of several sequences, each introducing an additional element and ending with a twist. A quiet swaying from one framework to the next constantly defines the sound quality of the piece, just like blurry visions tantalize the dreamer one after another. (J.M:)

Servio Tulio Marin " Impresiones Fugitivas " (1976)
This piece is based on the process of sound as a solid material. The shape and height of a concrete, granular texture (very similar to white noise) are being transformed. Whilst still unfolding, this process is being interrupted at several stages by various interfering elements with opposite natures. This gives rise to a complex dialogue between distinct materials, like a counterpoint expressed through sound spatialization. (S.T.M.)

Eugeniusz Rudnik " Moulin Diabolique " (1979)
The work consists of six sequences which all possess a dramatic, musical and architectonic sense independent from the context.
Their position in the composition as a whole -- apart from sequences 2 and 6 -- is not derived from any absolute necessity.
The basic material of this work consists of military orders given in different languages and of the sounds (voices) of a human group (soldiers). These – assuming the order implies a constraint – can either be the single answer to such a constraint or they can accompany it.
Through editing, the sense of military discipline was removed from the ordering sentences, thus enhancing the grotesque and terrible content of the order itself. [ ... ]
The possibility of identifying the sound sources (speech = order with its semantic, semiotic and associated values), the formal structure of the composition is to remind the listener of the constant presence by his side of the Evil Mill (Moulin Diabolique) of war. A mill that has been turning on and on for thousands of years – and for how much longer?
I dedicated this work to my daughter Kamila Maria .
(E.R.)

--------------------------------

The main idea behind the Traces series is to excavate short, forgotten or ignored pieces of music from the GRM Archives. This third volume, gathering pieces from before 1980, features the works of four composers from very different geographical and musical backgrounds. In addition to echoing the extraordinary vitality of musical experiments from a bygone era, Traces aims to give some audibility to music pieces which, in some instances, are being released for the very first time.

Christian Zanési & François Bonnet, Paris, 2014

  • Kudos happily ship all items worldwide.
  • Shipping costs and delivery times are available here.
  • UK items are sent tracked as standard at no extra cost.
  • We aim to dispatch orders placed before 2pm on the same day.
  • We are unable to ship orders on weekends or Bank Holidays.
  • If you purchase a pre-order item amongst an order of in-stock releases, we will typically hold your order until all items are in ready to send.
  • Although we use all reasonable means to ensure that your order is delivered within a specified time, we cannot accept any responsibility for late deliveries due to circumstances outside of our control. We will do our best to inform you of any unexpected delay.