Berangere Maximin and Her Narrative Soundscapes

Originally posted on November 14, 2008

Another electro-acoustic offering forms today’s focus. It’s the debut CD of a Paris composer, Berangere Maximin, Taint que les heures passent (Tzadik). First off there is a bit of recitation in French in the middle, not long, with electro-acoustic background. If you don’t know French, this will be a slightly dead zone of the disk for you. But it’s pretty short, she certainly recites well, and the rest of the program is filled with interesting soundscapes with all kinds of textural combinations, atmospheric sculptures of aural sensuality. Her own music, found snatches of music and sounds heard in the world make up her arsenal of means and she juggles them with dexterity and aesthetic insight.

The new generation of avantists has arrived. They are not out to shock, but to tell a story. This particular program brings a master of sound storytelling to the international public, and I believe those who open themselves to the new will be pleased. If this isn’t your cup of tea, we’ll be looking at all sorts of other things in the coming weeks, not to worry.