"Introduction à la musique sérielle" by Antoine Goléa is a captivating exploration of serial music, released in 1960 under the BNF Collection label. This concise yet comprehensive 47-minute album offers a unique journey through the evolution of serialism, a significant movement in 20th-century classical music.
Goléa, a renowned musicologist and composer, masterfully guides the listener through the intricacies of serial music, from its tonal beginnings to its atonal and dodecaphonic developments. The album features a diverse range of compositions, including works by Arnold Schoenberg, Anton Webern, and Alban Berg, as well as excerpts from Goléa's own lectures and performances.
The tracklist is a fascinating blend of historical context and musical illustration, with Goléa's insightful introductions providing a clear understanding of the complex concepts behind serial music. From the tonal language of Bach's "The Well-Tempered Clavier" to the atonal explorations of Webern's "6 Little Piano Pieces, Op. 19," the album offers a panoramic view of the genre's development.
Goléa's own compositions, such as "Incontri, for 24 Instruments," showcase his innovative approach to serialism, pushing the boundaries of the form. The album also includes excerpts from larger works, like Schoenberg's "Gurre-Lieder" and Berg's "7 frühe Lieder," providing a taste of the broader musical landscape.
"Introduction à la musique sérielle" is not just an educational tool but also a testament to Goléa's deep understanding and appreciation of serial music. It's an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolution of classical music and the pioneering works that shaped the 20th-century musical landscape.