The quasi-improvisational, conceptual compositions of Giacinto Scelsi -- or, just as validly, his partly composed, conceptual improvisations -- leave most decisions up to the performer; these open-ended works appear almost as ideal Platonic forms, to be filled in and to exist concretely only when played. As a result, Scelsi's rarefied music is adaptable to a variety of circumstances and open to transformations by the performers; it is therefore reasonable for percussionist
Michael Kiedaisch, contrabassist
Stefano Scodanibbio, and trombonist
Mike Svoboda to extrapolate from the solo pieces for their respective instruments and to unite in trio improvisations on the same material. Scelsi's music in its original state can seem almost too monotonous, arbitrary, and spare, and Mantram -- Canto Anonimo for contrabass solo (1987), Tre Pezzi for trombone solo (1956), Ko-Tha for guitar (1967), and "Le Réveil profond for contrabass solo" (1972) are rather skeletal, as solo pieces go. This is remedied in the six free improvisations, though, and their greater activity, contrasting textures, and striking colors make this CD more interesting, exciting, and enjoyable than a mere realization of Scelsi's scores might be. Wergo's sound quality is exceptional for its depth and range, and the venue's live resonance makes the music sound rich in overtones and invitingly mysterious.