In a recent concert marking the centenary of Pierre Boulez, the renowned 20th-century musical figure, the Barbican hosted an event featuring Ensemble intercontemporain. Despite being a tribute to one of music's great visionaries, the turnout was modest, possibly due to timing conflicts or audience fatigue. However, the performance itself delivered an electrifying experience with works by contemporary composers Hannah Kendall and Cassie Kinoshi taking center stage alongside Boulez's own compositions. The evening showcased both precision and innovation in modern orchestral music, leaving enthusiasts intrigued.
The highlight of the night came from British composer Hannah Kendall’s piece, which won her an Ivor Novello award in 2023. Inspired by Antonio Benítez-Rojo’s "Plantation Machine," Kendall crafted a haunting soundscape filled with textured white noise complemented by walkie-talkie chatter in French and English. This intricate composition featured moments where the orchestra fell silent, allowing music boxes and harmonicas to create vivid clusters of notes that evoked a sense of ethereal life-support.
On the other hand, Cassie Kinoshi's [Untitled] introduced a funkier tone into the program. Incorporating live turntabling by NikNak, whose scratches cut through the orchestra's dense layers, this piece also included visuals by Julien Creuzet and choreography by tyroneisaacstuart. Musically, it was masterfully structured, building momentum through deep bass lines from lower strings and complex trumpet motifs echoed by cello and flutes creating irresistible grooves. At its peak, the orchestra abruptly ceased, leaving only the rhythmic echoes and loops generated by the turntable spinning above.
Though attendance may have been less than anticipated, the evening succeeded in celebrating the legacy of Pierre Boulez while showcasing new talent pushing boundaries in contemporary music. The juxtaposition of Boulez's precise rhythms with Kendall's haunting exploration and Kinoshi's vibrant experimentation highlighted the ongoing evolution within the genre. Through such performances, the mission to expand audiences beyond those 200 dedicated fans continues to thrive.
