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Gavin Bryars

Man in a Room Gambling Audio CD – Import, December 28, 2004

by Bryars (Artist), Munoz (Artist), Fujishima (Artist),

4.8 5 ratings

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Gavin Bryars' numerous recordings have been among the best-selling CDs by any contemporary composer. Two of his albums, 'The Sinking of the Titanic' and 'Jesus' Blood Never Failed Me Yet,' have sold more than 250,000 copies. This highly original composition project resulted from a mutual friends' suggestion that Bryars collaborate with sculptor Juan Munoz, who was interested in working on a sound project for possible radio broadcast. Munoz wrote ten texts, each describing the manipulation of playing cards. His recorded voice was then manipulated to fit certain musical patterns that, in addition to the original music, include a quotation at the end of the Fifth Symphony of Sibelius. Juan Munoz died suddenly in August of 2001, aged 49, cutting short further planned collaborations with Gavin Bryars. This was recorded in London in 1992.

Language

English
Publisher

Allegro Corporation
Publication date

December 28, 2004
Dimensions

5.82 x 0.39 x 5 inches
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Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00069FJLK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Allegro Corporation (December 28, 2004)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.2 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.82 x 0.39 x 5 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.8 5 ratings

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Gavin Bryars

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4.8 out of 5

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Danylo Lytovchenko

Core Material

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2013

Verified Purchase

This includes all spoken material, some of which can be found on the usual and known edition of "A Man in a Room, Gambling" from 2003. I loved what I heard then and was very glad to hear the whole piece uninterrupted. Beautiful music mixed with handy advice on how to play poker. What's not to like? But my reaction may be somewhat not objective, since I've long been a huge fan of Bryar's music.

Helpful

frankp93

An Underappreciated Gem In Bryars' Catalog

Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2014

Munoz was a Spanish sculptor who previously collaborated with Bryars. Bryars explains in the liner notes the piece was inspired by short form BBC radio 'filler' programs on various topics, which he found captivating. (Not residing in the U.K., I don't have any firsthand details to add concerning typical content).

'A Man in A Room' was conceived as a series of similarly brief episodes exploring a single topic (illicit poker 'tricks') using spoken text with musical 'accompaniment'. To my mind it's more a duet of equal-stature between voice and strings and the inherent tension in the juxtaposition is the strength of the work. The music ebbs and swells mirroring the narrative arch - sometimes blatantly, other times with subtlety you can easily miss. Bryars makes the point the episodes are not necessarily meant to be heard all together 'as a suite'.

I've followed Bryars music since the 70's and, for myself, 'A Man In A Room' harkens back to the composer's more experimental side where he gradually built powerful and dramatic aural experiences from deceptively unassuming musical materials.

It's a wonderful listen.

One person found this helpful

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Amélie

Journey into Strange Places

Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2008

Voice and strings always make a fascinating combination; spoken voice no less than singing. I first heard track #9 on CBC Radio and was blown away by how well the voice, speaking in an Argentine accent on a completely unfamiliar subject, blends with the strings. Bryars selected the actor very well; this voice is seductive, very masculine, cultured, and the accent is charming.

Listening to the whole album is not for the faint-hearted. It is hard to hold attention throughout all the lectures, and although I never found the voice intrusive (like the other reviewer reports) it gets to be a bit soporific and repetitive. Perhaps this is the intended effect. But it can be an effort to keep one's attention sharp.

Because of the spoken component it doesn't work as car music (can't make out words) or background music. It really does demand one's full attention. I do recommend it for those who like to make the effort.

2 people found this helpful

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J. Pour

Wonderful Music, Annoying Chatter

Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2008

I read a professional review of this disk which gave it a 5 star (out of 5)rating. I just can't agree. It simply tries too hard to be oh, so clever and exotic. The voicings are simply annoying and distract from some beautiful, and truely exotic and clever string compositions featuring terrific musicianship. Provided your concentration is able to pierce through the voicing and focus upon the dominate string line(s) of any given segment, you will greatly enhance your listening enjoyment. Just because Juan Munoz is doing the speaking does not automatically entitle this disk to a top rating. Only track nine, featuring some crowd rumblings and such, comes close to working within the concept. Five stars for the string compositions, three for the concept and none for the card slinging b.s. oratory.

One person found this helpful

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K. P.

unique work

Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2011

it's not the best music or spoken voice ever, but the combination in this instance creates something unlike any other music i've heard. it's entrancing more than anything i suppose. sometimes i like to try to focus solely on either the music or the words, and, inevitably, i get lost.

One person found this helpful

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