Champ d' Action & Zwerm

The American Frederic Rzewski (1938) is a composer, virtuoso pianist and cofounder of the almost mythical improvisation ensemble Musica Elettronica Viva. He lives and works in Brussels and has for many years taught at the Conservatory in Lille. His pioneering work in the area of electronic music and free improvisation has inspired many other composers and improvising musicians. Reason enough for Champ d'Action and Zwerm to give a retrospective concert in the form of a documentary approach to Rzewski's extensive oeuvre. The famous 'Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues' for piano solo is based on a worker's protest song. 'To The Earth' for percussion and voice is a tribute to the earth, with help from 'tuned flower pots'. In 'Main Drag', a road story for nine musicians, the percussion party provides the propulsive energy. 'Les Moutons de Panurge' is an almost legendary chunk of minimal music inspired by the herd-like mentality of sheep. This deceptively simple score is a real marathon for the musicians.