Morton Feldman The Orchestra Of The SEM Ensemble, Petr Kotik - Turfan Fragments

Review by Mostafa Md. Reyad Rahman

Turfan Fragments is a mesmerizing album that showcases the genius of Morton Feldman and the skill of The Orchestra of the SEM Ensemble, led by Petr Kotik. The album features four compositions, each of which is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of sound and silence.

The first piece, "Turfan Fragments," is a delicate and intricate work that weaves together a variety of musical textures to create a dreamlike soundscape. The use of percussion and strings is particularly effective, with the instruments blending seamlessly to create a sense of otherworldliness.

The second piece, "The Viola in My Life III," is a more introspective work that features a solo viola accompanied by a small ensemble. The viola's mournful melodies are perfectly complemented by the subtle accompaniment, creating a deeply moving and emotional piece.

The third piece, "The King of Denmark," is a sparse and minimalist work that features a single percussionist playing a series of intricate rhythms on a snare drum. The piece is deceptively simple, with each note and rhythm carefully chosen to create a hypnotic and mesmerizing effect.

The final piece, "For Samuel Beckett," is a fitting tribute to the great playwright. The piece features a series of short, fragmentary musical phrases that are repeated and recombined in various ways. The result is a work that captures the essence of Beckett's spare and enigmatic writing style.

Summary by Mostafa Md. Reyad Rahman

Turfan Fragments is a stunning album that showcases the unique and visionary talent of Morton Feldman. The Orchestra of the SEM Ensemble and Petr Kotik are the perfect interpreters of Feldman's work, bringing a sensitivity and nuance to each piece that is truly remarkable. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary classical music.