Customer Reviews

Symphony #2 The Peak Of The Sacred

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With his second symphony, Branca creates what is arguably one of his finest works. Scored for multiple guitars and percussion, the symphony is divided into five movements and features Z'ev, a unique percussionist whose banging instruments strangely complement the music. Symphony No. 2 is highly dramatic and never ceases to impress upon the listener that Branca is serious about what he is doing. The first and fourth movements are particularly memorable. This is one of the finest pieces of music in the latter twentieth century.

This Cd has been my introduction to the music of Glenn Branca. I've heard of him for years, but never listened to it until this work, and I'm glad I did. Branca creates, not so much a symphony, as a megalith, a mountain of sonic texture.

Branca's early symphonies are based on ensembles of electric guitars tuned in just intonation, accompanied by percussion, in this case Z'ev, who provides a rhythmic assault the match the work of the 10 guitarists in the work. The sound is massive and loud...but not ear splitting. La Monte Young, (who I think is a clear influence on Branca) believed that loud sounds in Just Intonation would not be detrimental to the ear, as much rock music is. I think Branca's music tests this hypothesis and suggests that it is right (as does Young's own cd Just Stompin' which is sadly out of print.) The sound resembles things that might have been done by Reich or Glass; it is minimalism, but at a slower pace and with greater sonic force.

This is music that needs to be experienced, not thought about. Put it on, turn up the volume, turn out the lights and let the sound wash over you. It's remarkable.