Xenakis - Metastasis; a Turbulent Orchestration of Electrifying Soundscapes

“Metastasis,” composed by the groundbreaking Greek-French composer Iannis Xenakis, stands as a titan in the realm of electronic music, embodying a raw and visceral sonic experience that continues to fascinate and challenge listeners over half a century after its creation. This complex orchestral piece, devoid of traditional melodic structures and harmonic progressions, embraces the chaotic beauty of noise and texture, forging an exhilarating journey through abstract soundscapes.

Born in Brăila, Romania, in 1922, Iannis Xenakis was a man whose life mirrored the intensity and innovation he brought to his music. A renowned architect by training, Xenakis’s passion for mathematics and acoustics led him to explore new sonic frontiers. He served as an assistant to the legendary composer Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatory, where he developed a keen interest in aleatoric (chance-based) composition techniques.

Xenakis’s early compositions often blended concrete sounds with electronically generated noise, paving the way for the development of musique concrète. “Metastasis,” completed in 1953-54 and premiered by the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London on July 14, 1955, marked a significant departure from his previous works. The piece eschews conventional musical structures and embraces the raw power of sound itself.

The score of “Metastasis” is a testament to Xenakis’s unique approach to composition. It employs graphic notation, with intricate lines and shapes representing the dynamic interplay between instruments. This unconventional system reflects Xenakis’s belief in the liberating potential of chance and improvisation, allowing performers to interpret and execute the music in a highly personalized manner.

The performance of “Metastasis” requires exceptional technical prowess and musicianship. The piece demands relentless precision from its instrumentalists, who navigate dense textures, jarring harmonies, and abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics.

Xenakis’s use of extended techniques further enhances the piece’s dramatic effect. Players are instructed to utilize unconventional bowing methods, such as glissandi (sliding between notes) and col legno (striking strings with the wood of the bow). These techniques contribute to the overall sense of urgency and dynamism that permeates “Metastasis.”

Beyond its technical complexity, “Metastasis” is a profoundly emotional work. The relentless barrage of sound evokes a sense of existential unease, reflecting Xenakis’s own experiences during World War II, when he served as a resistance fighter against Nazi occupation. The piece has been described as an sonic representation of trauma and the struggle for survival.

Despite its initially jarring nature, “Metastasis” has become a touchstone in the history of electronic music, inspiring generations of composers with its boldness and innovation. Its influence can be heard in the works of minimalist composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass, as well as experimental electronic artists like Aphex Twin and Squarepusher.

Today, “Metastasis” remains a vital and enduring masterpiece, a testament to Xenakis’s visionary approach to music-making and his unwavering commitment to pushing sonic boundaries. Listening to this electrifying work is akin to embarking on a thrilling auditory adventure, one that challenges preconceptions about what music can be and leaves an indelible mark on the listener’s imagination.