Medea/Syrmos/Polytope

Iannis Xenakis - Medea/Syrmos/Polytope

released on LP


Performed by Ars Nova Ensemble of Radio O.R.T.F.
Marius Constant - conductor

Medea for male chorus, galets and orchestra (1967)

Composition of orchestra: E-flat clarinet, contra-bassoon, trombone, cello and percussion

Suite taken from the music for "La Medee de Seneque at the Theatre de France, 1967

Syrmos for 18 strings (1959)

Orchestral composition: 6.6.0.4.2

The work is based on stochastic transformation of 8 basic textures.

a) horizontal parallel networks

b) ascendant parallel networks (glissandi)

c) descendant parallel networks (glissandi)

d) crossed parallel networks (ascendant and descendant)

e) clouds of pizzicati

f) atmosphere of frappes collegno with short glissandi col legno

g) configurations of glissandi traited in regulated left surfaces

h) geometric configurations of ascending and descending glissandi

The mathematical structure of this work is the same as that of "Analogique A" and "Analogique B" that is founded on Markovien stochastic processes.

Cf. "Formal Music," Chapter II, editor Richard Masse, 7 place St. Sulpice, Paris 6

Polytope (Le Polytope de Montreal)

Light and sound spectacle at the Franch Pavillion of Expo 67

Composition of orchestra: 4 orchestras placed equidistantly from the center of a circle. Each orchestra is comprised of a piccolo, an E-flat clarinet, a contra-bass clarinet, contra-bassoon, trumpet, tenor trombone, percussion instruments, 6 violins and 4 cellos.

"I have proposed a transparent architectural structure of steel cable which would surround an empty space and which would support the points of light. These are regulated forms. There is a limited number of cables, considering the space and various floors. These forms are changing in all points of view and obey the laws of mathematical progression which answer from one side to the other.

I have used all my knowledge of musical composition here for the lighting: the calculus of probability, logical structures and structures of groups. There are 1200 independent circuits (or lights) which function through a tableau of photoelectric cells where they are all reproduced. On this tableau, the film is projected allowing the rays of the projector to activate only those cells which are absolutely necessary. There are 800 white tubes of xenon and 400 colored ones, some warm colors, some cold colors.

The light composition plays with the theory of ensembles. Vertical and horizontal slices, for example. Differentiation on superimposed material.

The music is entirely independent of the light show. I wished to establish a contrast. The light in my spectacle is a multitude of points, with stops, departures, etc. The music is a continuum, with glissandi. The sound changes, but does not stop. It is instrumental music. Using the classical instruments of an orchestra. A music without electronic transformation. (Iannis Xenakis)

Tracklisting:

Side I

1. Medea {24:12}

Side II

1. Syrmos {11:25}

2. Polytope {6:10}

(1)