Discover "Metastaseis" by Iannis Xenakis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the musical piece "Metastaseis" by Iannis Xenakis, exploring its complex relationship with mathematical concepts and perceptions of time. Participants share their personal experiences with the piece and other music that evokes strong emotional responses, touching on themes of listening difficulty and the evolution of musical appreciation over time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes "Metastaseis" as challenging to listen to initially, linking its structure to mathematical concepts and different views of time, contrasting traditional compositions with Xenakis's approach.
  • Another participant expresses a lack of enjoyment for "Metastaseis," indicating a subjective response to the piece.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about their evolving appreciation for Laurie Anderson's music, drawing parallels to their experience with "Metastaseis."
  • There are suggestions for other music that evokes a similar emotional response, including works by Palmbomen and Betonkust, as well as unique musical styles like Tuvan throat singing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on "Metastaseis," with some appreciating its complexity and others finding it unenjoyable. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and preferences without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes subjective interpretations of music and personal experiences, which may vary widely among listeners. The references to mathematical concepts and different musical styles introduce additional layers of complexity that are not universally agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of music and mathematics, those exploring avant-garde music, or individuals seeking to understand varying emotional responses to complex musical compositions may find this discussion relevant.

CynicusRex
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Any genre any song that stirs your soul.

I'll start off with Metastaseis by Iannis Xenakis. A componist, music theorist, architect-engineer. Most of musical his work is inspired by mathematical concepts. Be warned, it isn't easy to listen to the first couple of times.

As Newtonian views of time show it flowing linearly, Einsteinian views show it as a function of matter and energy; change one of those quantities and time too is changed. Xenakis attempted to make this distinction in his music. While most traditional compositions depend on strictly measured time for the progress of the line, using an unvarying tempo, time signature, or phrase length, Metastaseis changes intensity, register, and density of scoring, as the musical analogues of mass and energy. It is by these changes that the piece propels itself forward: the first and third movements of the work do not have even a melodic theme or motive to hold them together, but rather depend on the strength of this conceptualization of time.​

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Another one to get you back to earth...

 
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TheBlackAdder said:
Metastaseis by Iannis Xenakis
hmmm can't say I enjoy that. :smile:

Here is something I am currently listening to

 
Didn't realize there was another thread like this. Only searched for music, not song :(
Whoops.
 
 
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TheBlackAdder said:
Any genre any song that stirs your soul.
... it isn't easy to listen to the first couple of times...

Reminds me of my experience of Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" over the last 30 years.

I was quite perturbed/disturbed by her "new sound", back then.

Fast forward, 30 years: a youngster FB friend posted another song she did: let x=x

BAM!

Laurie is, and always will be, a freakin' genius...
 
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OmCheeto said:
Fast forward, 30 years: a youngster FB friend posted another song she did: let x=x
Laurie is, and always will be, a freakin' genius...

Just makes me want to travel the universe. I love spacey music.

I think you'll certainly fancy this, or anything by Palmbomen (or Betonkust)


And Maybe you'll enjoy these...

The hang (instrument)


Tuvan throat singing or Mongolian throat singing. Worth giving a chance, it gets better and better.
 

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