Anthony Braxton, Composition #113, Sound Aspects 003 (1984)

Here is Braxton at 39 at the peak of his intellectual and musical capabilities. Those were the years of the astonishing piano quartet (Braxton, Crispell, Dresser, Hemingway), but here we have a solo performance on Eb soprano saxophone. I don't want to go deep into musical meanings but let Mr. Braxton do it in his deep cover notes. Only want to say that here we have a corner stone in Braxton music, an astonishing performance without a moment of boring or lack of concentration.

ENJOY THE MUSIC!

Here the performance notes of Mr Braxton from inside folio.

PERFORMANCE NOTES

The piece must be performed with one large photograph of a dark train station at midnight - positioned to the left of the instrumentalis (asn raised to around eight feet from the stage) and the photograph must be of a rainy and somewhat gloomy image - that gives one the impression of secrecy and desperation, ( the xact dimensions and specifiactions are in the score). To the right of the instrumentalis a long pole like stand should be positioned that contains a lighter railroad lantern. A given performance of composition 113 should include the use of four to six microphones that gives the instrumentalist sound direction and focus possibilities. To achieve this effect on the recording I requested the use of four directional like microphones.
The fantasy of Ojuwain represents an opportunity to move into the world of portrayal and intentions - as an effort to connect to the greater challenge of extended involvment. All of these matters are directly related to the route of my own creative growth (and attractions).
Composition No. 113 is dedicated to Pedro, Margit and Caetano de Freitas - in celebration of the forming of their own recording company. There is certainly a need for alternative companies that are interested in creative music.
Anthony Braxton
New Heaven, CT., Feb. 1984

Composition 113
(for one soloist, a large photograph, and prepared stage)

Anthony Braxton eb soprano saxophone

side 1
Section 1 [7:44]
Section 2 [7:27]
Section 3 [5:07]

side 2
Section 4 [6:47]
Section 5 [5:35]
Section 6 [4:45]

Composition bya Antony Braxton Synthesis Music (BMI)

Recorded December 6, 1983
at Tonstudio Zuckerfabrik,
Stuttgart, West Germany
Engineer: J. Wohlleben