Hans-Kristian Kjos Sørensen: Open
MIC’s Listen to Norway series continues with Hans-Kristian Kjos Sørensen’s 'Open'.
The enormous arsenal of sonic possibilities represented by percussion has long fascinated composers. A group that in particular share this fascination are such diverse and varied composers as Iannis Xenakis, John Cage, Franco Donatoni and Norwegians Åse Hedstrøm and Rolf Wallin. Works by these composers make up for the strong and varied repertoire showcased on Norwegian percussionist Hans-Kristian Kjos Sørensen’s first solo record ‘Open’. The works featured on this album give the listener an understanding of the fascinating variety of writing for percussion. At the same time it is a programme which places great demands on its performer - demands for rhythmic and sonic precision in order to take the listener from the chaotically pulsating to the softly moving; from the extrovertly explosive in Xenakis and Wallin to the introvert and theatrical in Cage to the harmonic and melodic complexity of Hedstrøm and Wallin. On ‘Open’, Sørensen, one of Scandinavia’s most respected percussion soloists and chamber players, ties it all together masterfully, executing complex parts with grace and interpreting melodic passages with timbre and soulful phrasing.
Headlines:
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