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Contemplating Harmony

Music by
Warren Burt -
reviewed by
MALCOLM TATTERSALL

'... almost hypnotically attractive ...'

Warren Burt: The Animation of Lists; And the Archtan Transpositions. © 2006 XI Records

At the simplest level, The Animation of Lists is a one-hour piece for metallic tuned percussion and The Archytan Transpositions is a variation on it.

Each piece is divided into four tracks, each fifteen to sixteen minutes long. They are all static, even placid, but contain strong dissonances alongside very pure consonances [listen -- CD1 track 2, 0:00-0:59]. They can be almost hypnotically attractive to a listener open to their rhythm-less, melody-less unfolding.

Although still slow-moving, The Archytan Transpositions is slightly more dissonant and unsettled than its partner [listen -- CD2 track 2, 0:00-0:58].

Burt says in his liner notes: 'I hope this complex two-part sonic object will provide the listener with many opportunities for contemplation and enjoyment, and, in its duration, serve as an invitation for a leisurely and slow bathing in sound,' and that seems a very fair summation.

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Copyright © 27 March 2007 Malcolm Tattersall, Townsville, Australia

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