Pierre Boulez: Eclat / Sur Incises (2000)

These two films focus on two significant works by Pierre Boulez. 1965’s Éclat is a fascinating work for 15 players that balances spontaneous decision-making with compositional control; the film explores a coaching and performance of the work by the Nieuw Ensemble, conducted by Ed Spanjaard. Sur Incises is a monumental work for three pianos, three harps and three percussionists; in “A Lesson with Pierre Boulez” the composer introduces the work, followed by a performance by members of Ensemble Intercontemporain, conducted by Boulez.