专辑简介

by Brian Olewnick

Zeitkratzer ("Time Scraper" in German) is a contemporary chamber ensemble with feet in both the modern classical and free improvisation communities, performing and commissioning works by musicians on the fringes of the music world, many of whom are not normally known for written compositions. With members like Michael Moser of Polwechsel and trumpeter Axel Dörner of Phosphor, the listener knows he's not going to be hearing the standard contemporary repertoire. So one is not surprised to hear Phill Niblock's 20-minute drone piece, "Not Tied, Knot Untied-Old" (one of the disc's highlights), all gnarled and swirling side by side with the more "traditionally" post-serial "Sinfonia" by Mario Bertoncini. There is a somewhat overly academic air hovering around the proceedings, with pieces like Ulrich Krieger's "Il Cimitero Chiuso" sounding dryer than one would like. But "Desert Voyage," by Yungkyung Lee, which closes the disc, creates a series of quiet but strongly evocative tone washes, subtly pulsing in and out of the range of hearing and making for a very satisfying culmination of an unusual program. Zeitkratzer is an intriguing and unique ensemble. Even if they occasionally miss the mark, they're worth hearing.