Is Composition No. 173 a good place to start with Anthony Braxton?

Yes, Composition No. 173 is recommended as a starting point for new Anthony Braxton listeners. A challenging fusion of avant-garde jazz and operatic elements unfolds through intricate compositions and dynamic improvisation. By 1996, Anthony Braxton had established himself as a leading figure in avant-garde jazz, releasing Composition No. 173 as part of his extensive catalog. This album followed his acclaimed works from the early '90s, showcasing his continued exploration of unconventional structures and collaborative improvisation within an ensemble format.

Who is Composition No. 173 for?

Composition No. 173 works well if you're into gradual build to resolution, introspective moments of clarity and steady pacing for deep focus.

How many songs are on Composition No. 173?

Composition No. 173 has 5 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Composition No. 173

Anthony Braxton · 1996

58 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A challenging fusion of avant-garde jazz and operatic elements unfolds through intricate compositions and dynamic improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Opening Music- (Introduction) Start here — This track sets the stage for the entire album, blending atmospheric sounds with complex rhythms that challenge traditional jazz expectations.
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Scene One (Interlude Duo) — In this piece, the interplay between two musicians highlights Braxton's emphasis on dialogue within improvisation, showcasing intense exchanges and musical conversation.
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Closing Music — The concluding track encapsulates the thematic explorations of the album while offering a reflective resolution to the preceding chaos and complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Braxton's innovative blend of avant-garde jazz and operatic elements creates a unique listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features five tracks that are structured as movements, with each scene exploring different musical themes and improvisational techniques.
The first track serves as an introduction, setting a tone that is both avant-garde and operatic, while the subsequent scenes shift between duos and ensemble performances.
Improvisation plays a significant role throughout, with musicians responding to each other in real-time, creating a dynamic interplay that evolves across the tracks.

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: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gradual build to resolution
introspective moments of clarity
steady pacing for deep focus
immersive listening experience required

Maybe skip if you

seeking quick, catchy tracks
prefer structured formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album blends avant-garde jazz with operatic elements, marking a departure from earlier works.
Themes: avant-garde dialogue· operatic improvisation· complex rhythmic structures
Career context: By 1996, Anthony Braxton had established himself as a leading figure in avant-garde jazz, releasing Composition No. 173 as part of his extensive catalog. This album followed his acclaimed works from the early '90s, showcasing his continued exploration of unconventional structures and collaborative improvisation within an ensemble format.
Stylistic neighbors: Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill