Anthony Braxton’s notation 💫

 

Tonight was my third experience with Anthony Braxton's music - this time at Only Connect Festival at Oslo. Soloists were the fantastic POING trio and Susana Santos Silva. Great to work again with the  Norwegian Radio Orchestra here - the KORK orchestra.

I selected basically the same pieces that I used at the Proms gig in 2024- the large orchestra work from the early 70's Composition no.27. In addition several large ensemble works - Compositions 46(10 winds and brass),59,63(both of which have 2 soloists) and 151( a stunning piece for 25 players from the 80's I believe).Susana was also conducting(when she wasn't playing trumpet). Both of us could switch to Language Music which means we can at will ask players to play long notes or trills for example(and add dynamics if we want). Poing and Susana did solos,duos,trios and quartet independently of what I(or Susana) was doing.

The only decision about the order of pieces was starting with the opening of 27 with the full orchestra.

I will share the recording when its broadcast on Norwegian Radio.This music is so inventive and demands so much from players and listeners.In the best sense! So inspiring. I hope more conductors and orchestras will start playing this uniqe and mind blowing music!

Thanks to Ilan Volkov for sharing above interesting stuffs.