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 BALANESCU
ALEXANDER BALANESCU is a prominent musician in the performance
of 'modern classical' music (including works by Nyman, Bryars, Volans,
Lurie, Moran, Byrne, Nono and Cage) but also has two CDs to his credit
on the Mute label as vocalist and lead violinist in his own Alexander
Balanescu Quartet which he formed in 1987.
Besides Balanescu the quartet comprises Clare Connors on violin
and keyboards, Andy Parker on violin and Nick Cooper on
cello.
Possessed (1992 CD STUMM 111) features five intriguing acoustic
reworkings of Kraftwerk compostions, three
original compositions by Balanescu, and one compostion by David Byrne.
Providing vocals on Balanescu's 'Want Me' are Miranda
Sex Garden.
Luminitza (1994 CD STUMM 124) presents original material drawing
more heavily on Balanescu's Romanian origins including five Balanescu/Connors
collaborations, together with one track attributed to Balanescu and three
to Connors. Luminitza is not only a clever blending of folk, classical
and the avant-garde, but expresses a robust scepticism about both 'Westernisation'
and 'Post-Communism' in today's Eastern Europe.
The Alexander Balanescu Quartet is with Mute
Records, 429 Harrow Road, London W10 4RE.
Rik - 12 February 1996
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