Music that is not meant to be listened to, but experienced

For Giacinto Scelsi, sound was an elemental force preceding mankind: the composer is more a medium than a creator. Inspired by Eastern philosophy, it became clear to him that true music was to be found within the sound itself. His quest for this essence led him toward a style of music that became increasingly ritualistic.

In six solos, the musicians delve into the realms of resonance and energy, exploring the extremes of their instruments’ sounds. There is growling, groaning, screaming and hissing. The bassist performs a rhythmic, ritualistic dance; incantations are hammered from the piano; and in In Nomine Lucis, we hear sound as a primordial principle. This music is not meant to be listened to, but to be experienced.