Rihm, Wolfgang - Dis-Kontur/Lichtzwang/Sub-Kontur
Wolfgang Rihm says he is one of the most performed, most discussed and most successful living composers. And one of the most productive, as well: word has it that his opus numbers would already be far above four hundred, were he to assign such, while his expositors and commentators have already identified three distinct "creative periods". Presumably, more will be added, since Rihm's oeuvre is growing as continually and fluidly. The current programs features three important orchestral scores from the 1970s - and reveal the composer's musical thought in transition. This CD also includes detailed booklet notes by the composer.
Writing of his music, Rihm says: "...it becomes impossible to give the listener guidelines on the "right" way to listen, other than a simply request to listen. However, as far as listening is concerned, my music is relatively easy to understand. It communicates, I believe, quite directly, even though it also conveys chaotic emotional states and crises of communication, which are indeed its origin."