a tribute to Cornelius Cardew
Performed by:
Xentos Fray Bentos, Andy Bole, Alison Craig, Mary Currie,
Luc Debouk, Felix Fiedorowicz, Bill Gilonis, Teresa Hackel,
Nuala Hamilton, Ben Hobbs, Mick Hobbs, Kwettap Ieuw,
Salvatore Iovino, Catherine Jauniaux, David Kerman,
Jeffrey McGrath, Roger Nickl, Jared Paolini, Alig Pearce,
Flavio Rohner, Stephen Santillan, Simon Sigrist, Flavio Spirgi,
Joey Stack, Daniel Studer, Jeroen Visser, Hannah Weh,
Rick Wilson, Sophie Wolf, Lilian Zihlmann
‘Paragraphs and Principles’ is the most ambitious album yet by the experimental, maverick pop group Officer! The group has surprised itself with this dazzling yet almost dangerous collection of pieces that keep alive the glorious memory of composer Cornelius Cardew – comrade and champion. His work, while of its time, remains strangely contemporary. It is difficult music – mystifying perhaps, idealistic certainly, and contentious without doubt. That said, Cardew was also drawn to rousing, goose-bump melodies that wear their politics on their sleeves.
Since his untimely and sinister death in 1981, the world has come full circle and Cardew’s desire for rebellion, democratisation, rejection of crass popularism, and a revolution in politics, thought and approach have all become relevant once more. Officer!’s tribute to Cardew features several dynamic re-interpretations of his key works, as well as new music that draws inspiration from his principles and philosophy.
For this outing, Officer! is Mick Hobbs, Felix Fiedorowicz and Bill Gilonis alongside a stunning line-up of 30 performers from 8 countries. No one knows quite how this project came about – it’s almost an international conspiracy, and certainly a closely guarded secret. We hope only that upon their unleashing, these fierce new sounds may be heard by as many ears as possible.
Three Rules and Eight Points
Two Paragraphs
The Song of Ruthless Criticism
The Song About Navigation
Croppy Boy
Moscow Nights
Make the Past Serve the Present
Winter Potato # 3
The Telephone Song
The East Is Red
Fish and Ships
Albania, My Dear Comrade and Brother
Unintended Music for Ensemble
Red Flag Prelude
Editions
Klanggalerie, Austria, gg366
Compact disc packaged in six-panel Digipak with 20-page booklet
Jelodanti records, France, Jelo 21
Three-sided vinyl LP in hand-stamped sleeve with booklet,
Edition of 300 copies.
Release dates T.B.C.
Officer! 