By zkr director REINHOLD FRIEDL’s personal request now available on vinyl for the first time: zeitkratzer's critically acclaimed interpretations of groundbreaking compositions by JAMES TENNEY.

JAMES TENNEY (1934 - 2006) was a composer, music theorist and pioneer especially in the field of microtonal music, being an influential part of the so-called New York avantgarde scene (CAGE, FELDMAN). Besides his compositonal work, TENNY was teacher at various universities with students like CHARLEMAGNE PALESTINE, CARL STONE or CATHERINE LAMB, and a close friend with ELIANE RADIGUE.
This album by zeitkratzer presents three compostions by TENNEY whose music has been part of zeitkratzer’s repertoire since their beginning:
# „Critical Band“ – TENNEY’s late classic – with maximum clarity and precision of bearing tone rhythms and microtonal tuning as light effect.
# the first recording of „Harmonium #2“.
Both works demonstrate the remarkable power and resplendent sharpness which TENNEY achieved with his microtonal settings.
# „Koan: Having Never Written A Note For Percussion“ (incl. in the download) is an orgiastic listening experience in the form of a huge crescendo on a tam-tam - from whispering to singing, culminating in shrill roaring and blustering – and it’s dark decay.
zeitkratzer’s approach to TENNEY’s music as a sensual sound adventure, finally available on vinyl!


Press quotes:
The intelligence of the ensemble’s interpretations evinces their long-term engagement with these complex pieces, as well as a willingness to interrogate and re-examine them ... The rigour and discipline they collectively bring to these compositions make the discs utterly enthralling, from start to finish.
The Wire

si cela doit produire une telle qualité de jeu, une telle renaissance aux compositeurs "old school" on ne peut que en demander plus.
Revue et Corrigée

… executed with dutiful precision, permeated by a sort of inimical imperturbability
Touching Extreme

… ein Faszinosum, dessen Puls und Sog schwer zu widerstehen ist.
Bad Alchemy

For those unfamiliar with either of these modern American composers, their performance of three of Tenney’s ‘swell pieces’ is probably the best place to start.
Rockarolla

Das ist berauschend, ein minimalistisch kreisender Sog, in dem Avantgarde
und Schönheit nicht als Gegensätze gedacht werden.
Testcard

Outstanding stuff - highly recommended.
Boomkat