Heiner Goebbels: Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten

Heiner Goebbels' 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' is a captivating musical and literary tour de force, defying conventional genres and pushing the boundaries of music theatre. This avant-garde masterpiece, released on 13 November 2007 via ECM New Series, is a 1 hour and 19-minute journey through a rich tapestry of sounds and textures.

Conceived as an opera, 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' combines elements from multiple sources, often provocatively, to create a unique and thought-provoking experience. The work is based on a diverse range of texts, including those by Giordano Bruno, Gertrude Stein, and Henri Michaux, which explore the intersection of art and history.

Performed by the esteemed Ensemble Modern, with singers, actors, and choir, this production is a fantastical journey through world history, featuring a wide range of imagery, from Baroque societies and dancing dervishes to burning cities and down-at-heel cowboys. The music is a complex and innovative blend of styles, with each track offering a distinct perspective on the overall narrative.

Heiner Goebbels' innovative approach to music theatre has resulted in a work that is both challenging and rewarding, with a soundscape that is at once ascetic and opulent. 'Landschaft mit entfernten Verwandten' is a testament to the vitality and relevance of music theatre in the 21st century, and a must-listen for fans of avant-garde music and experimental performance.