Xenakian Cello: Philosophy of Sound and Technique. Performing Kottos

Abstract

The article concerns Iannis Xenakis’ approach to the expressive possibilities of the cello and some aspects of his philosophy of sound and technique investigated from the performer’s perspective. To examine these themes, the paper focuses on Kottos for solo cello (1977). As part of the interpretative space, the extra-musical element of the composition relates to the technical style and means of expression: the sound, structural clarity and physicality of playing. The technical aspect and the questions of interpretation are discussed with some references to Nomos alpha – the earlier composition for cello by Xenakis, and in the light of the mythological source and reflections on Hesiod’s cosmogony.