Bryars: I Have Heard It Said That A Spirit Enters...

Album Description

Gavin Bryars, the renowned British composer and double bassist, presents a captivating exploration of minimalism and avant-garde music with "Bryars: I Have Heard It Said That A Spirit Enters...". Released on January 1, 2000, this album is a testament to Bryars' diverse musical journey, which began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. This album, released under the CBC label, features six intricate tracks that span a total of 1 hour and 13 minutes, offering a rich and immersive listening experience.

The album opens with the titular track, "I Have Heard It Said That a Spirit Enters," a haunting piece for voice and ensemble that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Other notable tracks include "Planet Earth," "The Apple," and the evocative "Violin Concerto." The album also features "The Bulls of Bashan" and "The Porazzi Fragment," showcasing Bryars' versatility and depth as a composer. The final track, "By The Vaar: By the Vaar," concludes the album with a reflective and introspective note.

"Bryars: I Have Heard It Said That A Spirit Enters..." is a collaboration with the CBC Radio Orchestra, Owen Underhill, Holly Cole, and Gwen Hoebig, among others, bringing together a blend of classical and avant-garde elements. This album is a perfect introduction to Bryars' unique style, blending his background in jazz with his innovative approach to classical composition. Whether you're a fan of minimalism, avant-garde music, or simply appreciate thoughtful and intricate compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 2000

2000 CBC

About Gavin Bryars

Gavin Bryars is a versatile and influential British composer and double bassist, born in Yorkshire in 1943. His musical journey began in the early 1960s as a jazz bassist, collaborating with improvisers like Derek Bailey. Over the decades, Bryars has explored a wide range of genres, including jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. His compositions are known for their unique, often hypnotic qualities, and his approach to music is deeply personal, with each piece written specifically for the performers who bring it to life. Bryars' work has inspired generations of artists, notably with his seminal piece "The Sinking of the Titanic," released on Brian Eno's Obscure imprint. His innovative contributions to music have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at The Ivors Classical Awards. Bryars' music is a testament to his enduring creativity and his ability to continually evolve and surprise.