Hermann Nitsch - Harmoniumwerk Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4 (Cortical Foundation, 2000)

Harmoniumwerk occupies a rather atypical facet of Vienna Actionist Hermann Nitsch. In general, his music is a mere component of a larger being exploring ritualistic endeavors and bloodstained excess.
Harmoniumwerk is without a visual element and the only excess is in volume, as Harmoniumwerk covers 40 volumes of organ works recorded on his own organ at Prinzendorf Castle. The result is a surprisingly gentle (particularly for Nitsch) and beautiful work that slowly explores the sounds that inhabit the castle. Each piece is harmonically rich with an intimacy owed largely to the bareness and directness of the recording, allowing even the soft click of the keys to remain.

Harmoniumwerk Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4