Quadrivium

I connect Maderna with the high priestly activities of the 1960s and 1970s avant-garde - his Quadrivium is very much in that region. The latter was recorded by Sinopoli together with Aura and Biogramma and can now be obtained on Brilliant Classics. There’s also a rather well spoken of Col Legno collection. When I take a second think I remember that Maderna conducted a concert Mahler 9 recorded on BBC Legends.

The cube made with matches which appears on the cover of this disc, showing on flames in the inside of the digipak and afterwards completely burnt, plays with the ideas that inspire this dazzling recording: the four ways to the knowledge of numbers through the Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy), which are expressed through something as ephemeral assound, where also the unexpected and the emotion of the moment take place.

To kick off our 6th year, Steyoyoke Recordings is thrilled to unveil “Quadrivium”. A brand new project where each volume will feature four tracks from four different artists. Volume 01 presents tracks from talented producers such as Matchy & Lunar Plane, Strinner, Lost Soul and K.A.L.I.L.. Matchy and Lunar Plane open the EP with an original track titled “Brahman”. Its infectious beat instantly sets on a journey through light and dark where a hypnotizing dialogue of synths unveils wonders. Next up is “Continuum” by Strinner. The track starts off with strong beats that awaken emotions while melodies emerge in a constant motion of progressive rhythm and echoing synths…

Quadrivium was composed in 1969 and marks the beginning of Maderna’s final creative period, during which he wrote impressive and headstrong works for large symphonic forces. Aura was commissioned for the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and was premiered in 1972. Amanda was written in 1966 and is uninhibited, cheerful and lyrical.

Quadra is the fifteenth studio album by Brazilian metal band Sepultura, released on February 7, 2020. It is a concept album based on numerology, the number four and its significance as depicted on Quadrivium.