Marcin Krzyżanowski – Kenosis Music (2016)

Marcin Krzyżanowski

Paulina Owczarek – alto & baritone saxophones
Marcin Krzyżanowski - electric cello
Piotr Żyła - electronicalities
Susanne - harmonium
Mieczysław Eligiusz Litwiński - violin, electric guitar, voice, daf

Kenosis Music

FOR TUNE 0102

By Adam Baruch

This is a very interesting album by veteran Polish cellist/composer Marcin Krzyżanowski, primarily known as a composer of cinematic and theatrical music, which presents a collection of thirteen relatively short Avant-Garde compositions, all by Krzyżanowski. The music is performed by a core trio, which also includes the excellent saxophonist Paulina Owczarek and electronics manipulator Piotr Żyła. Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Mieczysław Litwiński appears as guest.

The music is very diverse and touches upon a multitude of Contemporary Avant-Garde Music and other idioms, with also includes spontaneous improvisation. The cycle of three compositions based on Biblical Psalms, which include the original Hebrew texts, are the strongest pieces on the album. A whole album dedicated to such music might have been also truly fascinating. Additional cycles of three chorals and five "Fucksoundages" (yes there is a lot of humor here as well) are also included. The overall level of complexity and wonderful weirdness is in fact intriguing and keeps the listener on his toes throughout the entire duration. The vocals deserve a special mention and are one the most impressive layers of this music.

This is a wonderful example of music, which is still searching and exploring uncharted (at least partly) territories, boldly ignoring genre limitations and taking from the tradition only to push it into a new direction. Definitely not for everybody, but connoisseurs of Contemporary Avant-Garde Classical music and Improvised Music should enjoy this album in full. Kudos to the For Tune label for giving this music a chance to reach a wider public, despite the total lack of commerciality it so proudly displays.