ARNOLD MARINISSEN - LAYERED RHYTHMS (BVHaast 0503)

Solo percussion performances of works by Iannis Xenakis, John Cage, Elliott Carter, Brian Ferneyhough, Willem Boogman and Margriet Hoenderdos. This is the second of three solo percussion discs for BVHaast by percussionist extraordinaire Arnold Marinissen and again each piece was selected with great taste and care. Xenakis' "Rebonds A & B" is lusciously recorded and builds gracefully, evolving through various hypnotic rhythmic segments. Mr. Boogman's "Genieting II" is for extended vibes and other percussion and is more minimal and playful.
John Cage's "Child of Tree" is from 1975 and was written for amplified plants, its title doesn't sound familiar to me. It is an organic sounding work for rattles, tree trunk, twigs, dried nuts, a rainstick, a hollowed out radish used as a trumpet and an amplified plucked cactus. It is quietly enchanting. British composer Brian Ferneyhough has gotten some well-deserved recognition in recent years. Here his "Bone Alphabet" is a delicate and fragile work that moves slowly, naturally unfolding. Ms. Hoenderdos' piece "January '94" was originally written for Dutch pianist Guus Janssen. This is a deceptively difficult piece that has the percussionist using each hand at different tempos, yet the variations are quite subtle. Elliott Carter is one of America's most respected composers and his piece, "March from Eight Pieces for Four Timpani" is a short yet strong, hypnotic piece for just one tympani. A wonderful collection of stimulating solo percussion performances.