Ukiyo (2010) showed John Psathas’ interest in electronic music by his producing this CD and editing and mixing the sound himself (with Steve Garden) to explore four compositions and a remix. Ukiyo was concerned with the transient floating world of Zen Buddhist poets, and Psyzygysm (with chamber orchestra and much percussion included) had explosive energy. I reviewed it seven years ago and its electronic sound wizardry still impresses in a blend of rhythm, jazz and Eastern melody.
Helix (now also in Rattle’s back catalogue) was first released in 2011, taking a surprise turn. The composer, chosen from hundreds of international composers to write 13 pieces of music for the Athens Olympic Games in 2004, had next impressed with his View from Olympus CD, a milestone in New Zealand music, blending classical traditions with jazz, rock and folk music. Its three concertos, featuring Portuguese percussionist Pedro Carneiro , United States jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman, and New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun with the NZSO, all featured loud "omniclimactic" sounds. Helix showed Psathas writing for much smaller forces to display his concepts in chamber music. It has four major works well played by pianist Donald Nicolson, the NZ Trio and the NZ String Quartet. The composer continues to show his interest in electronics, shares the editing and mixing, provides gamelan sounds, devises loops and sequences for piano suite Songs for Simon. That trademark energy persists, but innovations are devised in rhythms and effects. Psathas continues exploring new directions in modern music.
Verdict: Interesting innovations in chamber music.
