LESS IS MORE

Is there a more iconic composition than 4'33"? Lasting exactly 4 minutes and 33 seconds, it directs the audience's attention to a silence that turns out not to exist at all. Love it or hate it, with its blank score, John Cage cements his status as one of the great musical innovators of the last century. More broadly, 4'33" symbolizes the free artistic climate of post-war New York and, by extension, America. Under the direction of Manoj Kamps, HERMESensemble and I SOLISTI present a selection from the rich expression of that era.

Although Morton Feldman was very close to Cage, he developed an extremely unique musical language. "For Samuel Beckett" is a late but characteristic work: sustained tones interact irregularly, giving shape to seemingly aimless flowing music. Less is more, as Terry Riley also knows, but he opts for a rhythmically tight organization of his material. With "In C," he laid the foundations for minimal music.

---

• Program

  • T. Riley, In C

  • J. Cage, 4’33”

  • M. Feldman, For Samuel Beckett

• CREDITS

  • Ensemble: HERMESensembe en I SOLISTI

  • Conductor: Manoj Kamps

---

Concerts LESS IS MORE