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Outstanding blend of piano, flute and brass
SIMON DUFF reviews a new composition by German composer and pianist Florian Weber that blurs the line between where improvisation ends and composition begins
Florian Weber in concert at Stadtgarten Koln, Germany, 2012
[Gerhard Richter/CC]
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Florian Weber
Imaginary Cycle
(ECM Records)
THIS is music for piano, brass ensemble and flute written by the German composer and pianist Florian Weber: an unusual line-up that makes for a bold and exciting sonic journey.
Weber on piano is joined by a group including four euphonium players, a trombone quartet as well as flautist Anna-Lena Schnabel and Michel Godard on the little used tuba “serpent” instrument.
Together they perform a work that blurs the line between where improvisation ends and composition begins. The cycle is spread over four main sections: Opening, Word, Sacrifice and Blessing, all bearing ritualistic connotations.
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