Iannis Xenakis - Akrata (Audio + Full Score)

Iannis Xenakis - Akrata, for 16 wind instruments (1964-65)

Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor - Arturo Tamayo

“Akrata,” (the title means “pure”) is a fascinatingly disciplined piece. As and expression of “pure,” Xenakis writes only one pitch at a time for each player. Nobody ever has a melody or even a motive.

These single pitches are articulated in interesting ways- as repeated 16th notes, as flutter-tonguing, as long sustained notes, and as “beats” created by playing a unison slightly out of tune (varying the speed of the beat by changing the degree of out-of-tune-ness.) Art is all about working within limits- what Xenakis achieves within these narrow limits is astounding and affecting.

[OmarFernandesAly]

I enjoy Xenakis’ music. Thank you very much.

[Berliozboy]

Your channel has been incredible for a while now and getting better. Thanks so much for the effort you put into this.

[Dylonely_]

- Xenakis : What about combining maths and music ? That is a wonderful idea of me. Let’s do it !
- God : No.