What makes Composition 98 by Anthony Braxton notable?

Composition 98 is significant for its ambitious length and complex structure, defining hallmarks of Braxton's style that would influence subsequent generations of jazz musicians. The album was well-received within the avant-garde community, contributing to Braxton's reputation as a major innovator in jazz composition. By the time Anthony Braxton released Composition 98 in 1981, he was already recognized as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his influential works and marked a phase where he began to further expand his compositional techniques and incorporate elements from multiple genres, showcasing his artistic evolution.

How many songs are on Composition 98?

Composition 98 has 2 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Composition 98

Anthony Braxton · 1981

48 min · 2 tracks · jazz

An expansive exploration of avant-garde jazz, combining intricate structures with spontaneous improvisation across lengthy movements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Composition 98, Part I — This extensive first part features complex interplay between instruments, demonstrating Braxton's unique approach to orchestration and improvisation that characterizes the album.
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Composition 98, Part II — Part II continues the thematic exploration established in Part I while introducing new motifs and variations that exemplify Braxton's innovative compositional style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Braxton's intricate structures and improvisational style create a unique listening experience that stands out in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

The album consists of two lengthy tracks, each exploring different themes and motifs through extended improvisation.
The first track gradually builds in intensity, while the second track features more abrupt shifts in dynamics and tempo.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents an ambitious exploration of avant-garde jazz, defining Braxton's influential style.
Themes: avant-garde experimentation· orchestral improvisation· compositional evolution
Career context: By the time Anthony Braxton released Composition 98 in 1981, he was already recognized as a pioneering figure in avant-garde jazz. This album followed his influential works and marked a phase where he began to further expand his compositional techniques and incorporate elements from multiple genres, showcasing his artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors: Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill