Øystein Blix: Conditions

Norwegian trombonist/composer Øystein Blix presents a work with the unusual instrumentation of trombone, guitar (& electronics), drums (& electronics) and male choir. Composed for and premiered at the Northern Lights Festival in Tromsø in 2013, "the libretto is a commentary on the struggle that artists and cultural institutions in Italy must endure during these hard financial and political times." Blix says that the idea occurred to him during his own experiences in Italy, working and performing with Italian artists.

Opener "Salvare I'italia" begins with solo trombone, answered by guitar—a sparse texture transformed by the dramatic entry of the choir. As the piece goes on the drums join in, and it builds to an impressive climax. "Aria Fritta" follows, a short piece performed by the choir a capella. "Momentum" features the trio, with the choir as wordless accompanist. "Intrata" is all trio, a mechanical sound emphasized through the use of electronics. So these first four tracks present the possibilities of this instrumental/vocal combination.

But there's more. "Sticazzi" (an italian slang term meaning something like "I don't care") opens with the choir in a spoken word role, overlapping voices that build to a rhythmic chant, which is joined by the trio. "Interlude 1" and "Interlude 2" are short tracks that showcase the trio alone. The composer takes the lead on trombone; guitarist Kristian Svalestad Olstad plays a largely atmospheric role, similar to countryman Eivind Aarset; and drummer Aleksander Kostopolous provides both rhythms (usually more rock than jazz) and electronic textures. "Anche Cultura" casts the choir in a loop-like arrangement: the trombone takes up the tune, then the electronics add to the sound. Closer "Asse Sorri" has similar roles, but with the choir singing ostinato patterns, woven in with the trio.

When the choir is singing words they are in Italian—as the subject would suggest—but the libretto is not reproduced in any language, so I'll have to take Blix's word on their subject. I can say that the choral writing is beautiful, and blends surprisingly well with the instruments. It's an adventurous trio, which I'd enjoy hearing on their own. Conditions is a compelling piece, consistently interesting throughout its nearly 37-minute running time.

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