Performers: Südwestrundfunk Symphony Orchestra - Michael Gielen (Ata); Les Jeunes Solistes - Rachid Safir (N'Shima); Südwestrundfunk Symphony Orchestra - Hans Rosbaud (Metastaseis); Südwestrundfunk Symphony Orchestra - Kwamé Ryan (Ioolkos); Hans Deinzer, Seigfried Palm (Charisma); Nouvel Orchestre Philharmonique - Gilbert Amy (Jonchaies)
Playing time: 67'
Recording dates: Ata - October 1988, N'Shima - November 1991, Metastaseis - October 1955, Ioolkos - October 1996, Charisma - July 1974, Jonchaies - November 1981; compilation date: 2000
The number of recordings devoted to Xenakis has increased substantially over the past few years, and is now almost overwhelming. It is difficult to survey them, and especially difficult to find a starting place for the beginner. This is one mid-price reissue which collects individual works by different performers on one program, and may be valuable.
It can be seen as a sort of "best of" collection, although that designation might apply more to the performers than the music itself. At this point, anyway, it is quite difficult to assess which of Xenakis' works are his best. His output is very large, perhaps unwieldy, and so any differentiation between masterpieces and more ordinary pieces may never be made.
Although this compilation (from various sources over the years, mostly radio broadcasts) contains only limited documentation, it is nonetheless a valuable selection in one place. Item #2 was recorded specifically by Col Legno.
The overall program does not set standards for Xenakis issues, but is available at mid-price, and offers variety in interpretive style. As an introduction, the almost-tonal Jonchaies will also be intriguing for the uninitiated.
A similar assortment:
Perhaps the most classic of all Xenakis recordings, reissued:
To purchasing information for this disc
To Xenakis list.
T. M. McComb