Contraflow, Biennial, but without the Lunarcy; NMS, Sat 27/7/19; 10:15 pm.

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Note the later start (it looks as if the Beeb thinks that the NYOBG will take 85 minutes to play the "excerpts" from the Prokofiev "Suite").

Kate Molleson introduces

Shiva Feshareki(b1987)'s Dialogue for Turntables & Orchestra, performed on 6th July at the South Bank Centre Biennial by the Composer with the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Andre de Ridder.

Myriam Van Imschoot(b1969)'s Hola Hu for 2 unison yodellers, performed at the Glasgow Counterflows Festival in April by the composer with Doreen Kutzke (b 1975, the composer's yodelling teacher).

Also from the Counterflows Festival, Arash Moradi (b1974) plays a selection of his compositions for solo Tanbur (a performance that took place when Moradi stepped in at the last minute on 4th April to replace a set by Mohammad Reza Mortazavi, whose "fast track" UK Visa was delayed by the UK Border Agency).

... and there's an excerpt from James Tenney(1934 - 2006)'s 1983 work, 64 Studies for 6 Harps - possibly from the recently-released New World Records double CD recording of the work. (I say "possibly": the Beeb website doesn't refer to 6 Harps, and I can't find a reference to any performance of works by Tenney at either the Counterflow or Biennial Festivals).

And Robert Worby in conversation with David Toop, whose 70th birthday back in May was commemorated by the Beeb with ... err ... umm ... this Interview (?)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00075f2

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The Tanbur:



(and, no, there isn't a smaller version called the Tanburine.)

[Richard Barrett]

James Tenney(1934 - 2006)'s 1983 work, 64 Studies for 6 Harps - possibly from the recently-released New World Records double CD recording of the work.

The actual title of the work is Changes (the 64 Studies... bit is a subtitle). I just wrote a review of the recording for Tempo magazine, of the glowing variety I might add. Writing it set off an investigation of JT's work in general, on which I was a bit sketchy, apart from his valuable theoretical writings. Although there are six harps in Changes they never all play at the same time. The reason for it being a sextet is that the instruments are tuned 1/12 tone apart. According to JT, 1/12-tone equal temperament provides a good approximation to just intonation, so that the music proceeds by "modulating" between very-nearly-justly-tuned harmonic fields. It's good to see Tenney's work get an outing on R3, although why just an excerpt? - given that (I dare to speculate) it's on a whole other level compared to the other items in the programme.

[Serial_Apologist]

The Tanbur:



(and, no, there isn't a smaller version called the Tanburine.)

Look's like my late grandad's bedpan!

[Bryn]

The actual title of the work is Changes (the 64 Studies... bit is a subtitle). I just wrote a review of the recording for Tempo magazine, of the glowing variety I might add. Writing it set off an investigation of JT's work in general, on which I was a bit sketchy, apart from his valuable theoretical writings. Although there are six harps in Changes they never all play at the same time. The reason for it being a sextet is that the instruments are tuned 1/12 tone apart. According to JT, 1/12-tone equal temperament provides a good approximation to just intonation, so that the music proceeds by "modulating" between very-nearly-justly-tuned harmonic fields. It's good to see Tenney's work get an outing on R3, although why just an excerpt? - given that (I dare to speculate) it's on a whole other level compared to the other items in the programme.

Thanks for that. I note that QOBUZ have the lossless 44.1/16 download at a reasonable price for a double album (£11.99), and that the booklet notes can be found on the New World site. I am about to download (no streaming via QOBUZ, however).

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The actual title of the work is Changes (the 64 Studies... bit is a subtitle). I just wrote a review of the recording for Tempo magazine, of the glowing variety I might add. Writing it set off an investigation of JT's work in general, on which I was a bit sketchy, apart from his valuable theoretical writings. Although there are six harps in Changes they never all play at the same time. The reason for it being a sextet is that the instruments are tuned 1/12 tone apart. According to JT, 1/12-tone equal temperament provides a good approximation to just intonation, so that the music proceeds by "modulating" between very-nearly-justly-tuned harmonic fields. It's good to see Tenney's work get an outing on R3, although why just an excerpt? - given that (I dare to speculate) it's on a whole other level compared to the other items in the programme.

Ah - Many thanks for that: it explains the "Changes I" bit on the NMS website.

I wouldn't be shocked if your premonition about the quality of the Tenney work turns out to be accurate. In this instance, the excerpt-only is because of the "Record Review" section of the new programme. No sane/sensible reason why the whole thing cannot now be broadcast - a pity sane/sensible reasons don't really carry much weight on R3. (Go on, Beeb - give us a whole Through the Night broadcast, why dontcha?!)

[Bryn]

Ah - Many thanks for that: it explains the "Changes I" bit on the NMS website.

I wouldn't be shocked if your premonition about the quality of the Tenney work turns out to be accurate. In this instance, the excerpt-only is because of the "Record Review" section of the new programme. No sane/sensible reason why the whole thing cannot now be broadcast - a pity sane/sensible reasons don't really carry much weight on R3. (Go on, Beeb - give us a whole Through the Night broadcast, why dontcha?!)

At around 2 hours 22 minutes, I think it unlikely to get a full broadcast soon. It's waited some 34 years for a recording to be made available to the general public. Perhaps treat the broadcast extract as a 'try before you by' opportunity. I could not wait.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

In my case, more "save up before you buy", but point taken!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

http://www.newworldrecords.org/album.cgi?rm=view&album_id=95247

[Bryn]

In my case, more "save up before you buy", but point taken!

Well, at least you can read the programme notes. I'm fully expecting it to be £11.99 well spent for the download. I'm about to find out.

[Bryn]

http://www.newworldrecords.org/album...album_id=95247

#5 now has a direct link to the booklet pdf.

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