Iannis Xenakis: Percussion Works

Disc 1
1	Persephassa, for 6 percus
2	Psappha, for solo percuss
3	Dmaathen, for oboe & perc
Disc 2
1	Pléïades, for 6 percussio
2	Pléïades, for 6 percussio
3	Pléïades, for 6 percussio
4	Pléïades, for 6 percussio
5	Komboï, for percussion &
Disc 3
1	Kassandra, for amplified
2	Okho, for 3 percussionist
3	Oophaa, for harpsichord &
4	Rebonds, for solo percuss
5	Rebonds, for solo percuss
Iannis Xenakis: Percussion Works
1.	Persephassa, for 6 percussionists 28:44
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Red Fish Blue Fish
2.	Psappha, for solo percussion 14:03
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Steve Schick
3.	Dmaathen, for oboe & percussion 10:57
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Steve Schick and Jacqueline Leclair
4.	Pléïades, for 6 percussionists 45:01
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Red Fish Blue Fish
5.	Komboï, for percussion & harpsichord 20:01
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Shannon Wettstein and Aiyun Huang
6.	Kassandra, for amplified voice, psalterion & percussion 20:47
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Steve Schick and Philip Larson
7.	Okho, for 3 percussionists 13:15
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Red Fish Blue Fish
8.	Oophaa, for harpsichord & percussion 11:50
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Greg Stuart and John Mark Harris
9.	Rebonds, for solo percussion 11:32
	Composed by Iannis Xenakis
	Performed by Steve Schick

All Music Guide

For many of Iannis Xenakis' fans, his percussion works have served as practical introductions to his methods and ideas; yet they are also valued for their accessibility, bracing vitality, and amazing virtuosity. Much of Xenakis' music challenges the listener because the underlying mathematical theories, complex networks of lines, dense textures, and abrasive dissonances are a lot to take in. However, his percussion works are considerably easier to absorb than, say, the ritualistic theater pieces, the dynamic orchestral scores, or even some of his cutting-edge chamber music, because their strong rhythmic emphasis provides a handle that most listeners can easily grasp. The compositions for solo percussion, such as "Psappha" (1975) and "Rebonds B/A" (1989), are showstoppers for Steven Schick, who performs both with astonishing accuracy and stunning force. Schick also presents several of Xenakis' exploratory pieces for percussion with pitched instruments, and his performances with oboist Jacqueline Leclair in "Dmaathen" (1977), harpsichordists Shannon Wettstein in "Komboï" (1981) and John Mark Harris in "Oophaa" (1989), and vocalist Philip Larson in "Kassandra" (1987) are as intensely expressive as they are precisely executed. But the real powerhouses on this triple-disc set from Mode are the ensemble works -- "Persephassa" (1969), "Pléïades" (1978), and "Okho" (1989) -- which the brilliant percussion ensemble Red Fish Blue Fish delivers with fierce concentration and exciting volatility. This comprehensive package is one of the most rewarding in Mode's series of Xenakis' oeuvre, and his admirers should snap up this excellent package without hesitation. Blair Sanderson

San Francisco Chronicle

It bristles with a compelling blend of constructive sophistication and rude vigor.... It's all arresting and unforgettable. Joshua Kosman