"Music is a labyrinth with no beginning and no end, full of new paths to discover, where mystery remains eternal." – Pierre Boulez
"Music is a labyrinth with no beginning and no end, full of new paths to discover, where mystery remains eternal." – Pierre Boulez
The variety of music is theoretically inexhaustible. So much good music has been created and recorded in different countries at different times that a lifetime is not enough to even get acquainted with all of it, to sample its flavors. But, paradoxical as it may seem, most people completely ignore the variety of music. They listen to “the same thing over and over again” – on streaming platforms, on television, in concert halls, or in jazz clubs. It is easier to listen to familiar music, or at least music created from familiar elements, because you can predict everything a moment before it sounds – this phenomenon is called “sweet anticipation” and it is a very pleasant feeling.
The only problem is that this can create a kind of trap that unconsciously limits your choices and prevents you from venturing into broader musical waters. Neither streams nor oceans. A professor from Pakistan admitted to us that he loves classical music, but cannot listen to European composers because he finds them terribly boring. And Europeans often find his beloved North Indian classical ragas boring. There are people who consider themselves great music lovers, but only listen to Baroque or 19th-century opera – they find Morton Feldman or Leoš Janáček boring. This has nothing to do with musical education – perhaps the person simply did not have the opportunity to listen calmly and, gradually getting used to it, to listen to previously unfamiliar music and discover its incredible appeal.
The only problem is that this can create a kind of trap that unconsciously limits choice and prevents people from venturing into broader musical waters. Neither streams nor oceans. A professor from Pakistan admitted to us that he loves classical music, but cannot listen to European composers because he finds them terribly boring. And Europeans often find his beloved North Indian classical ragas boring. There are people who consider themselves great music lovers, but only listen to Baroque or 19th-century opera – they find Morton Feldman or Leoš Janáček boring. This has nothing to do with musical education—perhaps the person simply did not have the opportunity to listen calmly and, gradually getting used to it, to listen to previously unfamiliar music and discover its incredible appeal. Adults are often like children who won't eat something they've never tasted and categorically refuse to try it because they "don't eat it."
It's difficult to break out of this vicious circle without a special opportunity, which is why the Music Magic Club provides such opportunities. During regular listening sessions, visitors enjoy not only the music they know and love, but also the music they have yet to discover and fall in love with!
We want to open the new listening season with 20th-century avant-garde and experimental music, in which electronics are used not as a means of amplification, but as a specific source of sound images and emotions. Inspired by the words of Pierre Boulez, we have prepared a series of six evenings entitled "The Labyrinth of Mysteries."
Some will be able to enjoy the very interesting pieces they have already heard, while for others it will be a discovery of new music – what could be more enjoyable?
Listening sessions are held on Sundays at 5 p.m. Sessions will take place once every two weeks.
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Steve Reich is one of the most famous minimalist composers, whose music is characterized by clear rhythms and repetitive structures. It is simple but very effective – it quickly captures and draws you in.
Ton Bruynel is a Dutch composer who has devoted much attention to chamber music and the subtleties of sound. His work often reveals a sensitivity to detail and a calm, thoughtful flow.
