review-music-kronos

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

The Review - MUSIC - classical & jazz with TONY KIELY
Published: 2 August 2007

Minimalism? This performance was the least
I expected

REVIEW: KRONOS QUARTET
Barbican

WHERE to start? There’s only so many ways you can say “disappointed” in a space this size.
There’s also only so many times you can listen to the minimalist music of Terry Riley – with all its self-indulgent repetition and faux innovation – before you want to staple your ears closed. Forever.
It was an evening filled with promise – two renowned composers, Riley and Henryk Gorecki – joining forces with the sublimely talented Kronos Quartet for two UK premieres at the Barbican on Sunday.
But 10 minutes into Riley’s offering, The Cusp of Magic, it was clear that all was not well. As I watched David Harrington, arguably one of the world’s greatest violinists, belting a set of sleigh bells off his thigh while cellist Keffrey Zeigler played with a child’s squeeze toy, I began to despair.
Gorecki’s piece was mildly more enjoyable, but forgettable.
I’ve enjoyed this kind of music over the years, but I’ve come to the conclusion that minimalist music should be listened to in the privacy of one’s home.
The nature of the genre just doesn’t seem to translate well on to the stage, devoid, as it so often is, of any passion or excitement.
Roll on Mahler next month.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Check Prices, Availability & Book Online
Receive Online Discounts and Instant Confirmation

» Rock & Pop
» Gig Listings
» Classical & Jazz
» C&J Listings
» Book concerts/gigs
» Buy CDs