The Argentinian-German composer Mauricio Kagel (1931-2008) is known for his often humorous music theater works. In this he often elevates the musical performance to a dramatic act. With Sur Scène (1960) he established a genre of 'instrumental theater' that makes up a large part of his oeuvre. Kantrimiusik (1973-1975) is also one of them. The somewhat puzzling title is a phonetic representation of
… 'country music' and presents a parody of the ambiguous folklore of pseudo-popular folk music ensembles. To add extra strength to the rural context, Kagel prescribes an audio tape on which sounds from the countryside are recorded, such as a complete herd and galloping horses. Most characteristic is the fifth movement. An orchestra plays a waltz in the village square. Gradually a storm arises, swelling to hurricane strength, accompanied by rain and thunder. The musicians continue playing unperturbed. When the weather has cleared up and peace has returned, the ensemble abruptly breaks off the waltz… Kagel to the fullest. (JWvR)more
