The Sinking of the Titanic (Live in Bourges 1990), by Gavin Bryars Ensemble

The Sinking of the Titanic (Live in Bourges 1990)

by Gavin Bryars Ensemble

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The Sinking of the Titanic (Live 1990) 01:00:19

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This celebrated live performance of 'The Sinking of the Titanic' was originally issued by Les Disques du Crépuscule in 1991.

This extended 60 minute version of Bryars' haunting signature piece was recorded by the Gavin Bryars Ensemble at the Printemps de Bourges festival in France on 12/13 April 1990. Fittingly, the unique location for the performance was the Chateau D'Eau, a disused water tower.

At 60 minutes the Bourges recording is longer than earlier versions of Titanic and takes advantage of the peculiar nature of the performing environment. All six musicians were located in the basement area of a three storey water tower, where the public heard the pieces through a specially designed sound system on the middle floor, only after the sound had passed through the cavernous top floor.

Featured Ensemble musicians include Dave Smith, Roger Heaton, Martin Allen, Alexander Balanescu and Jon Carney, all directed by Bryars himself.

"This version is the most romantic and the first to exceed one hour. By removing the shrill edge of the violin that led the strings previously, it gives the mournful moments more depth, especially when a bass clarinet offers a dark counter-lament in the closing stages. There is much light in their performance for such a dark project, much softness in its ripples" (The Wire, 2009)

"A compelling and often moving piece which draws the listener in through a series of tableaux. Neither rock nor classical nor new age, this release should nevertheless find a place in the hearts of adventurous listeners anywhere" (Top, 1991)

"The live environment makes for a particularly evocative experience, and the sheer ghostliness of the event translates well onto CD" (Record Collector, 1991)

"Still a strangely haunting work" (Music Week, 1991)

"One of the strangest musical experiences one is every likely to enjoy. Incredible" (Melody Maker, 1991)

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released March 17, 2024

Composed by Gavin Bryars. Produced by Chris Ekers and Gavin Bryars. TWI 922.

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Les Disques du Crépuscule UK

Independent record label founded in Brussels in 1980.

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