Iannis Xenakis’s Pithoprakta: A Phenomenological Approach

Erik Christensen, Lise C. Bjerno

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Xenakis’s orchestral work Pithoprakta was composed for forty-nine musicians: fortysix divisi strings, two trombones, and one percussionist playing woodblock and xylophone. Hermann Scherchen (1891–1966) conducted the first performance of the work in 1957. We present the outcome of a phenomenological investigation of Pithoprakta, encompassing comparatively detailed descriptions and hermeneutical interpretations of the work, including prominent musical features, sonorities, densities and transformations of sound masses. In order to minimize presuppositions and promote unbiased listening, we did not study the score or research on Pithoprakta prior to the listening sessions. Subsequently, in a survey of the work, we summarize the macroform and possible emotional interpretations of the music, and include references to the printed score. In addition, we quote texts and statements by Xenakis in order to enable comparisons between our investigation and the composer’s intentions. References to selected research widen the perspective of the investigation by pointing out important aspects of Xenakis’s music and his personality.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMeta-Xenakis : New Perspectives on Iannis Xenakis’s Life, Work, and Legacies
EditorsSharon Kanach, Peter Nelson
Number of pages21
PublisherOpen Book Publishers
Publication date9 Oct 2024
Pages297-317
Chapter18
ISBN (Print)978-1-80511-225-9, 978-1-80511-224-2
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-80511-226-6, 978-1-80511-229-7, 978-1-80511-227-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Iannis Xenakis, music composition, aesthetics, twentieth century’s European culture

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