Xenakis Ensemble

As demonstrated by the four works on this disc, the music of Anders Hillborg couples complexity with directness, sensuality with humour, hypnotic meditation with pulsating rhythms, and all is combined with an original sense of form and unfaltering craftsmanship.

Veteran string quartet Brooklyn Rider presents a diverse collection of recent works composed for the intrepid ensemble. Rooted in New York City's artistic firmament, this sonically diverse album features works by Battles veteran Tyondai Braxton, Brooklyn Rider's Colin Jacobsen, Bang On A Can's Evan Ziporyn, electro-acoustic composer Paula Matthusen and Kyle Sanna. Influences include Bach, Cage, Zorn, Xenakis, the Lounge Lizards, Minor White, the life force Qi, and the enigmatic sounds of an ancient Roman cistern.

Among his contemporaries, Kalevi Aho stands as one of the most exciting composers, and foremost among his peers in revitalizing the Finnish symphonic tradition for the postmodern period. A student of Einojuhani Rautavaara, Aho has surpassed his teacher in orchestrational skill and daring. He has amply demonstrated that the symphony should not be treated as an academic exercise in imitation of past masters, and that it deserves the full resources of today's virtuoso orchestra and all the freedoms of the avant-garde's explorations. The Symphony No. 11 for six percussionists and orchestra consolidates ………

Blair Sanderson @ AllMusic.com

Salvatore Accardo is an outstanding Italian violin virtuoso, best known as a master of the works of Niccolò Paganini, but equally accomplished across a wide variety of repertory for the instrument. His playing is characterized by a taut, visceral tone and a disciplined musical approach that avoids self-indulgence. Having also established himself as a successful conductor, chamber musician, and teacher, Accardo may be considered one of the most accomplished and influential musicians of his generation.

"Bruchstück, geträumt", performed by Klangforum Wien under the baton of Sylvain Cambreling, was one of the highlights of the ensemble’s 25th-anniversary season. Cerha’s "Bagatelles" for string trio belong to the most difficult pieces in the repertoire and are of a quality equalled only by the trio works of Beethoven, by Schönberg’s op. 45 and by the 1987 piece Ikhoor by Iannis Xenakis. His orchestral work "Instants" …..