Performing Xenakis

This volume, the second in Pendragon's Xenakis Series, is a collection of essays by thirty contributors, of fourteen nationalities, all internationally recognized performers of Xenakis music. Many of these artists have worked closely with Xenakis and several works are discussed by their dedicatees. These testimonies prove, through real life experience and performance, the feasibility of realizing his very difficult writing, not only attested to by those close to the composer during his lifetime, but also by the younger generation that continues to be drawn to it. Each essay gives a new perspective: on what the composer was really looking for, on tricks of the trade for negotiating treacherously technical prowess, or on the attainment of an enhanced sense of self through the performance of this music.

Following an extensive Preface by Kanach, who collaborated closely with Xenakis from the late 1970s until his death in 2001, the book is divided into chapters organized by family of instruments. Most instruments of the orchestra are discussed by their practitioners; issues unique to the voice, as well as ensemble and orchestral works are explored, and two contributions concern the performance of Xenakis pioneering electronic works. An appendix of his entire oeuvre retracing world premières and respective performers is included.