Search - Tod Machover, Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project :: Tod Machover: Hyperstring Theory

A hyper-performance

BobH | Boston, MA | 06/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my favorite contemporary classic CDs released in the last several years. It is a joint venture of several of the best in the new music arena. The pieces combine new technology and modern composition with surprisingly wonderful results. Not just an experiment, but, a great set of musical performances. Tod Machover is not just the composer but he was part of the design team for the new "hyper" instruments. He thus understands how to best write for these new instruments. The hyper instruments read the emotional inflections of the body while being played. These signals are then combined in a computer and re-introduced into the performance. I have seen several "hyper" concerts and this technology works live as well. It is a unique and difficult process to adjust to, hearing echoes and reconstituted notes that have just been played. The performing soloists do an exceptional job with this very difficult music and their technology "partners". Tod Machover not only creates a thematic set of pieces that are well connected and meaningful. His choice of subject is well matched to the music composition he has created, it is loosely based on the dramatic and psychological story of Dante's "Divine Comedy".



"Begin Again Again..." is over 19 minutes, but, because it is so emotional and gripping, it moves very quickly. Matt Haimovitz is fantastic on this piece, demonstrating a wonderful range of emotions and depth. He certainly has mastered the "hyper sound". "Song of Penance" is also a super piece. It combines a hyperviola and voice. It is unique, haunting and very emotionally matched to Tod Machonvers theme. At times the rock like impact of the sounds is overwhelming, yet, the many layers leave one wanting to hear the piece several more times. Kim Kashkashian and Karol Bennet are up to the challenge on these tracks and produce very memorable music. The final piece "Forever and Ever for Hyperviolin & Chamber Orchestra" is the longest piece at about 29 minutes. It is a roller coaster of emotions and sounds. A full sound, strong, with lots of texture. It is a very engaging and technologically enhanced musical experience. Kudos to Ani Kafavian, Gil Rose and BMOP on this dramatic and strenuous piece, it is a fantastic accomplishment.



The CD artwork and layout lend to the overall themes and context of the pieces and instruments. I highly recommend this CD for its uniqueness and its wonderful music.

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