Lejaren Hiller: A Total Matrix Of Possibilities
Liner Notes   Cat. No. 80694     Release Date: 2008-01-01

Lejaren Hiller (1924-1994) was a musically eclectic composer, often combining several different types of techniques in the same piece. In the mid-sixties, he asserted that his "objective in composing music by means of computer programming is not the immediate realization of an aesthetic unity, but the providing and evaluating of techniques whereby this goal can eventually be realized." In this sense Hiller was a forward-looking composer, in that each piece was an experiment that lead toward the next piece.

The three works contained in this collection-Computer Cantata (1963), Quartet No. 6 for Strings (1973), A Portfolio for Diverse Performers and Tape (1974)-demonstrate his love of musical diversity and eclecticism. These works also exhibit other trends that are common in Hiller's music, including collaboration, an interest in microtonality, symmetrical and arch forms, and indeterminate instrumentation. The works span a little more than a decade, from 1963 to 1974, which were amongst his greatest years as a composer. They also use a variety of instrumentations, from purely acoustic to electronic, and computer music with live ensemble.

These three works are drawn from out-of-print CRI LPs. Virtually none of Hiller's music is currently available today and this reissue restores some of his most representative works to circulation.

Various Artists

Lejaren Hiller: A Total Matrix Of Possibilities

MP3/320 $16.00
FLAC $16.00
WAV $16.00
CD-R+ $25.00
CD-R+ titles come in a jewel case with print booklet.                         Liner Notes
A *.pdf of the notes may also be accessed here free of charge.

Track Listing

Computer Cantata: Prolog To Strophe I; Strophe I
Lejaren Hiller
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Computer Cantata: Prolog To Strophe II; Strophe II
Lejaren Hiller
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Computer Cantata: Prolog To Strophe III; Strophe III; Epilogue To Strophe III
Lejaren Hiller
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Computer Cantata: Strophe IV; Epilogue To Strophe IV
Lejaren Hiller
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Computer Cantata: Strophe V; Epilogue To Strophe V
Lejaren Hiller
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Quartet No. 6 For Strings: Arrabiato
Lejaren Hiller
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Quartet No. 6 For Strings: Tranquillo
Lejaren Hiller
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Quartet No. 6 For Strings: Vivace
Lejaren Hiller
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Portfolio For Diverse Performers And Tape
Lejaren Hiller
Buy