PEKALA / KORDYLASINSKA - WERKE FÜR SCHLAGZEUG UND ELEKTROAKUSTISCHE GERÄTE (LP)

"Werke für Schlagzeug und elektroakustische Geräte (Works for Percussion and Electro-Acoustic Devices) is the second album of the Polish percussion duo Milosz Pekala and Magda Kordylasinska. The compositions Renaissance Gameboy #1 and #2 (2011) by Felix Kubin were originally written for violin, saxophone, cello, piano, drums and tape. The new versions arranged by the duo transport his pieces into the world of an extended percussion set, with marimba and vibraphone placed in the center. Additionally, several parts were recorded on tape. Black Page #1 by Frank Zappa features close-miking recordings of guiro, reco-reco, temple blocks and everyday life objects like cups and computer. The pulse generated by dripping water and unusual percussive sets provide a new, intimate interpretation of Zappa's dynamic music. Minimal music has always had a special place in the hearts of the Polish duo. In Vermont Counterpoint (1982) by Steve Reich, they replace the orchestra (including flutes) with vibraphone, glockenspiel, marimba and dulcimer. By including Reich's composition on this record, Pekala and Kordylasinska refer to their own musical roots. Repetitiveness can also be heard in a piece entitled Smells Like Victory (2016) commissioned to Thymme Jones, the founder of a band called Cheer Accident. The composition is written for marimba, vibraphone, two Chinese gongs, electronics and includes choreography. Modular #1(2016) by Milosz Pekala completes the album. It's based on a rhythmic pattern generated by a modular synthesizer. Ongoing permeation of electronic and acoustic sounds with dynamic narrative creates a fertile ground for the musicians' expression as percussionists and at the same time gives them great pleasure as players." (label info) comes with download code