Anthony Braxton
Composition 113
Sound Aspects (Germany) 1984
sas 003 (LP) w/insert, label catalog.
sleeve : EX(some slightly color-faded.)
media : EX+/EX+(some slightly noises.)
Anthony Braxton, a member of Chicago's avant-garde art organization AACM, has created over 100 works and played various reed instruments since the 1960s. In 1984, he released this album on the renowned German minor label Sound Aspects. The album features a six-part composition intriguingly titled "For One Soloist, Large Photograph, and Prepared Stage," performed as a solo on an E♭ tuned soprano saxophone. The accompanying insert shows the layout of the performance, where a large photograph, illuminated by a spotlight, is hung on the wall behind the soloist’s left hand, and the soloist, surrounded by six microphones, performs in the center. The six compositions are interconnected like a mandala, with each representing "Disposition," "Acceptance," "Strength," "Reliability," "Courage," and "Conviction." The recording is outstanding, capturing even the breathing sounds with a beautifully balanced room echo that leaves just the right amount of resonance. It’s fantastic.