Jean Schwarz – Year Of The Horse And Other Electroacoustic Works 1974-1986

This 2CD collection contains selections from six compositions focusing on Schwarz's theatre and multimedia work. Year of the Horse (1978), Still Waters (1986), and Undici Onde (1978) contain pieces for choreographer and dancer Carolyn Carlson. With performances premiering at l'Opera de Paris, Teatre de Ville (Paris), and La Fenice in Venice, these scores give an in-depth insight into Schwarz and Carlson's collaborative process. Some scenes incorporate rhythmic or cyclical elements, field recordings, electronics, and others detail purely acoustic resonance. Each musical section relates closely with Carlson's expansive visual poetry. Schwarz's collaborations in theater continued with L'Enfance De Vladimir Kobalt (1979) for set designer and playwright Petrika Ionecso as well as Maison Rouge (1980) for director Pierre Sala. Both works evoke a wonderfully filmic structure, while integrating key themes across each scenic palette. The earliest work in the set is Fotoband (1974), a 21-minute composition to specifically accompany a 76-meter visual installation piece by German artist Ekkehart Raumstrausch. During the exhibition, loudspeakers were placed every 15 yards to allow the music to be heard while moving horizontally along the painting.

All compositions were originally issued as small edition LP's on Schwarz's own Celia Records, except Undici Onde and Fotoband which are previously unpublished and available here for the first time. This double CD set has fully remastered audio, including a 12-page booklet of photos, visuals, and detailed notes by the composer.