Tim Hodgkinson co-founded the politically and musically radical free-jazz/progressive rock group Henry Cow in 1968, which also featured guitarist Fred Frith. He regards his membership in this group, with the opportunity to work closely and collectively with other instrumentalists in developing new sound worlds, as the foundation of his musical education.
In addition to composing, Hodgkinson continues to perform as an improviser (clarinets, saxes and keyboards) and considers the practice of improvisation as an important aesthetic form in contemporary music.
This disc explores Hodgkinson’s other side as a composer, and also as a soloist, of recent compositions for ensembles (2001-2004).
The works explore a variety of processes and influences, Korean and ritual Siberian music, improvisation, the actual use of musique concrete, and combinations/transformations of acoustic instruments with electronics and tape.
Vers Kongsu II (2003) for ensemble with solo clarinet 10:13
Aici Schiteaza pe Acum (2004) for ensemble and tape 8:58
Fighting/Breathing (2001) for bass clarinet and taped percussion 7:40
Fragor (2003) for computer-modified cello and electric guitar 7:06
De Yoknapatawpha (2004) for two clarinets and piano 16:49
Further into Hard Stone (2004) for ensemble 9:02
Tim Hodgkinson, clarinet, bass clarinet, conductor
Vinny Golia, bass clarinet
Gustavo Aguilar, percussion
Hyperion Ensemble, Iancu Dumitrescu, conductor (Vers Kongsu II)
Lisa Cella, flute
Robert Reigle, tenor saxophone
Morris Palter, percussion
Isabelle Duthoit, clarinet
Jacques Di Donato, clarinet, bass clarinet
Pascale Berthelot, piano
Berten d’Hollander, flute
Denis Simandy, french horn
