KUNIKO: Xenakis IX

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Although Kuniko calibrates balances, dynamics, nuances and sonorities with her expected precision, she also creates a genuine sense of repartee between the parts, as if the six original percussionists... — Gramophone Magazine, June 2015 More…

Release Date: 20th Apr 2015
Catalogue No: CKD495
Label: Linn
Length: 59 minutes

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Xenakis: Pléïades

Work length44:48

$7.10

$10.70

$14.20

Kuniko
Recorded: September 2013, January, September, October 2014
Recording Venue: Lake Sagami Hall, Kanagawa, Japan

I. Mélanges (Mixtures)

Track length8:52

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

II. Métaux (Metals)

Track length13:56

$2.05

$3.05

$4.05

III. Claviers (Keyboards)

Track length10:31

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

IV. Peaux (Skins)

Track length11:29

$2.05

$3.05

$4.05

Xenakis: Rebonds A

Work length8:07

$1.50

$2.30

$3.05

Kuniko
Recorded: September 2013, January, September, October 2014
Recording Venue: Lake Sagami Hall, Kanagawa, Japan

Xenakis: Rebonds B

Work length6:21

$1.00

$1.50

$2.05

Kuniko
Recorded: September 2013, January, September, October 2014
Recording Venue: Lake Sagami Hall, Kanagawa, Japan

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About

KUNIKO’s much-anticipated third studio recording features the works of Iannis Xenakis, whose work has had a huge impact within the world of music, and in particular on percussion repertoire.

Full of challenges, from the pioneering mathematical influences, to unusual notation and virtuosic performance requirements, many classify Xenakis’ compositions as unplayable, but KUNIKO’s unrivalled prowess sees her perfectly realise the composer’s vision.

KUNIKO gave the world premiere of Project IX at the Japan Society in New York in 2014.

Pléïades explores a rich variety of percussive sounds and textures; marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, xylomarimba and drums create a sound world of rhythmic complexity and vibrant colours.

Uniquely, Pléïades also requires a SIXXEN, an instrument designed by Xenakis and customised by KUNIKO, who hand-selected 120 metal bars to craft the perfect sound.

Since becoming a percussion soloist, Rebonds is a piece that KUNIKO has been playing and performing throughout her entire career.

After hearing this performance of Xenakis’ popular piece, renowned percussionist Sylvio Gualda congratulated KUNIKO on her ‘marvellous’ interpretation.

KUNIKO is a soloist who is recognised around the world for her astonishing virtuosity, exquisite musical insight and expressive yet elegant performance style.

She is renowned for her flawless technique when playing both keyboard and percussion instruments, which blends seamlessly with her profound musical intelligence.

KUNIKO’s debut kuniko plays reich was acclaimed by the media becoming Linn’s bestselling album of 2011, whilst cantus entered the Top 10 of the Official UK Specialist Classical Chart.

In 2012 KUNIKO completed a world tour playing at venues in America, France, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Japan and Australia and in 2013 performed at the Lichfield and Cheltenham Music Festivals.

KUNIKO endorses Adams Musical Instruments and Pearl Musical Instruments worldwide.

Reviews

June 2015

Although Kuniko calibrates balances, dynamics, nuances and sonorities with her expected precision, she also creates a genuine sense of repartee between the parts, as if the six original percussionists were interacting...her effortless, glitch-free technique and ability to manipulate mallets and sticks to seemingly coax melodies from non-melodic instruments are bound to humble aspiring and established percussionists alike.

3rd May 2015

These are meticulous and muscular performances, at once elemental and elegant. Brilliant.

23rd April 2015

[Kuniko] takes on the 1978 dance score Pléïades, and treats its effervescent textures to a loose, sensual swing. Who knows what the spatially obsessed Xenakis would have thought of her overdubbing the multiple parts of the sixxen (an instrument of Xenakis’s own devising), and it isn’t a hugely muscular performance, but the delicacy and sway are enticing.

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KUNIKO: Xenakis IX

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