James Tenney's "Bass Works" is a captivating exploration of avant-garde and experimental music, released in 2016 under the hat[now]ART label. This album is a testament to Tenney's innovative approach to composition and his ability to push the boundaries of minimalism. The collection features eight tracks, spanning a total duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, each offering a unique blend of intricate textures and rhythmic patterns.
The album opens with "(Beast)" and "(night)" from 1971, showcasing Tenney's early experimental works. The centerpiece of the album is "Glissade," a series of five pieces composed in 1982 for viola, cello, double bass, and tape delay system. Each segment of "Glissade" delves into different sonic landscapes, from the shimmering textures of "Shimmer" to the complex mathematical structures of "Bessel Functions of the First Kind" and the harmonic explorations of "Trias Harmonica" and "Stochastic-canonic Variations."
Performed by Dario Calderone on double bass, the album captures the essence of Tenney's experimental spirit. Calderone's masterful interpretation brings to life the intricate compositions, highlighting the interplay between acoustic instruments and electronic elements. "Bass Works" is not just a collection of pieces but a journey through Tenney's musical evolution, offering a rich and immersive listening experience that showcases his enduring influence on contemporary experimental music.
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