Heiner Goebbels: La Jalousie

Dive into the avant-garde world of Heiner Goebbels with his 1993 release, "La Jalousie." This captivating album, released under the ECM New Series label, is a testament to Goebbels' innovative compositional style and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

"La Jalousie" features four distinct yet interconnected pieces, each showcasing Goebbels' unique approach to sound and structure. The album opens with "La jalousie (Geräusche aus einem Roman)," a work inspired by Alain Robbe-Grillet's novel of the same name, which translates to "Jealousy (Sounds from a Novel)." This piece is a sonic exploration of the novel's themes, using a variety of instruments and sounds to create a rich, immersive listening experience.

Next is "Red Run (9 Songs for 11 Instruments)," a piece that highlights Goebbels' skill in crafting intricate, multi-layered compositions. The piece is performed by the renowned Ensemble Modern, who bring a sense of precision and energy to the work.

The third track, "Herakles 2 (Für 5 Blechblaser, Schlagzeug und Sampler)," is a powerful piece that combines traditional brass instruments with electronic elements. The result is a unique blend of old and new, showcasing Goebbels' ability to seamlessly integrate different musical styles.

The album concludes with "Befreiung (Konzertante Szene für Sprecher und Ensemble nach einem Text von Rainald Goetz)," a spoken word piece that features text by German author Rainald Goetz. This piece is a powerful exploration of language and sound, with the spoken word interwoven with the ensemble's music to create a compelling listening experience.

Throughout the album, Goebbels' compositions are brought to life by the Ensemble Modern, with Peter Rundel conducting. The album's duration is just over an hour, making it a perfect choice for a focused listening session. Whether you're a fan of avant-garde music or simply looking to explore something new, "La Jalousie" is sure to captivate and inspire.