Search - John Cage, Christina Fong, Glenn Freeman :: Three2, Twenty-Three, Six, Twenty-Six

Music to Hypnotize You

Christopher Forbes | Brooklyn,, NY | 06/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the end of his life, Cage became consumed by a series of works that have come to be called the Number Pieces. These works, like so much of Cage's music, were generated using chance techniques, but in this case, with the help of computer algorithms. Each work received a number, according to how many performers were required, and very general sets of playing instructions, with precise pitches and rather open rhythmical interpretation. The resulting works are strikingly individual and in my opinion, among the most beautiful pieces that the composer created in the last thirty years of his life. Christina Fong, Glenn Freeman and Karen Krummel are the only instrumentalists on this disc. The needed sound masses in the works have been created by overdubbing. Two pieces, Three(2) and Six are rendered for percussion, using instruments that are capable of sustaining quiet sounds. Sounds layer in and out of these works gently. They are well played by Mr. Freeman. The string works are richer in texture. 23 is written for that number of solo strings and rendered with Ms. Fong on Violin and Viola and Ms. Krummel on cello. 26 is for that number of violins alone. Both works are haunting, and at times nearly electronic. The pieces don't so much change as morph from shape to shape, varying in texture, tone and density. The effect is hypnotic. These are not works to "listen" to as much as they are works to let wash over you with sound. There are some who might question the choice to overdub these works rather than hire the number of instrumentalists required and perform the work "live" as it were. But I think the results here warrant attention and praise. There is no feel of "coldness" or disengagement in the performances and the result couldn't be better. Highly recommended to fans of Cage's work and to others with adventurous ears."