Six Compositions: Quartet
Anthony Braxton · 1982
41 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A cerebral blend of avant-garde jazz and intricate compositions that challenge conventional forms and embrace improvisational freedom.
Top tracks — play these first
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Composition No. 40B Start here — Opening with a striking interplay between instruments, this track exemplifies Braxton's skill in orchestrating tension and release while showcasing the quartet's improvisational prowess.
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Composition No. 69N — This piece stands out for its rhythmic complexity and melodic intricacies, serving as a prime example of Braxton’s innovative compositional techniques that challenge traditional jazz norms.
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Composition No. 40A — Featuring a rich tapestry of sounds, this track highlights the dynamic range of the ensemble and illustrates Braxton's ability to weave together structured and free elements seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalBraxton's ambitious compositions blend structure with improvisation, making it a notable work in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Each composition features a distinct structure, often alternating between composed sections and free improvisation.
- Several tracks incorporate extended techniques on instruments, creating unique textures and soundscapes that diverge from standard jazz practices.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression of ideas
- complex textures to explore
- thoughtful listening in sequence
- immersive engagement with compositions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Merges structured compositions with improvisation, showcasing a departure from traditional jazz forms.
- Themes
- avant-garde jazz· improvisational freedom· complex structures
- Career context
- By 1982, Anthony Braxton had established himself as a leading figure in avant-garde jazz after his breakthrough album 'Creative Orchestra Music' in 1978. 'Six Compositions: Quartet' serves as a continuation of his exploration into complex structures and spontaneous interactions among musicians, further solidifying his reputation for pushing boundaries in jazz composition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
Tracklist
- 1 Composition No. 40B Start here 7:09
- 2 Composition No. 69N 7:52
- 3 Composition No. 34 6:17
- 4 Composition No. 40A 9:04
- 5 Composition No. 40G 5:00
- 6 Composition No. 52 6:11
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Shape of Jazz to Come
Ornette Coleman
Explores free jazz with a focus on improvisation and unconventional structures, much like Braxton's work.
Space Is the Place
Sun Ra
Merges avant-garde jazz with cosmic themes and improvisational exploration, resonating with Braxton's ethos.
Too Much Sugar for a Dime
Henry Threadgill
Combines intricate compositions and improvisational freedom, reflecting similar complexity in jazz arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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