Schwankungen am Rand (1974 75)

After a string of fine Helmut Lachenmann releases on several labels specializing in contemporary classical music, notably Audivis Montaigne, Schwankungen Am Rand (Fluctuations at the Edge) marks his debut on ECM New Series, and the "notoriously difficult" composer celebrates the occasion by providing an admirably clear introductory essay to his works. The title track, subtitled "Music for Brass and Strings" (somewhat misleading, as percussion instruments, notably two pianos and four specially designed thunder sheets, play a prominent role), was completed in 1975, but has lost none of its power to surprise, both in terms of its sound material…