IRE
IRE ensemble is a trio composed of guitar, bass, and harp that performs the music of Phill Niblock.
Created by composers Kasper T. Toeplitz and Franck Vigroux, IRE aims to take a fresh look at electronic music, or more specifically the "electronic thinking" of music; questioning the notion of "live" interpretation, the use of electricity, the development of organology, and orchestration.
In their repertoire are pieces by Christian Zanesi (Grand Bruit re-adapted for instruments), Toeplitz - Vigroux (Bestia), a tribute to Iannis Xenakis, and in 2018 a commission from composer Ulrich Krieger.
Biography
Phill Niblock is an American composer of contemporary music, experimental filmmaker, and multimedia artist, born in 1933. Since the 1960s, he has been a major figure in minimalist drone music, a genre characterized by sustained and continuous sounds. Niblock has developed a unique style using layers of rich and textured sounds, often created from recordings of acoustic instruments played in extended durations.
In addition to his musical career, Niblock is known for his films and videos, which often explore themes related to nature, movement, and repetition. His audiovisual works are regularly presented at film festivals and art galleries around the world.
Since 1985, Phill Niblock has directed Experimental Intermedia, a New York-based organization dedicated to the performance and dissemination of experimental arts. His influence and commitment to contemporary music and experimental arts continue to resonate across generations of artists and musicians.
Phill Niblock died on January 8, 2024.
©Katherine Liberovskaya