Two Compositions (Trio) 1998 cover

Two Compositions (Trio) 1998

Anthony Braxton · 2003

105 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of avant-garde jazz, blending complex structures with spontaneous improvisation across extended compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Composition N. 227 — The first piece features intricate dialogues between instruments that build a tense yet fluid soundscape, exemplifying Braxton's unique compositional style.
  • →
    Composition N. 228 — The second composition deepens the exploratory nature of the album with unexpected shifts in rhythm and texture, demonstrating Braxton's command over both structure and improvisation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and improvisation, marking a distinctive entry in avant-garde jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each composition spans over 20 minutes, allowing for extensive improvisation and thematic development.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — This album represents a departure into complex structures and improvisation.
Themes
avant-garde experimentation· improvisational dialogues· complex soundscapes
Career context
Released in 2003, Two Compositions (Trio) 1998 showcases Anthony Braxton's continued evolution as an avant-garde jazz musician. This album arrives after his prolific period in the late 1990s and reflects his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical form, particularly through his experimental trio settings.
Stylistic neighbors
Ornette Coleman· Sun Ra· Henry Threadgill
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Composition N. 227 55:58

Disc 2

  • 1 Composition N. 228 49:18

What to play next

Ninetet
Listen next

Ninetet

2005

Continues the avant-garde exploration with a larger ensemble, enhancing complexity and improvisation.
Composition 192
Go back to

Composition 192

Sets the stage with intricate structures and experimental themes leading into the current album.
Full Anthony Braxton discography Where to start with Anthony Braxton Artists like Anthony Braxton
jazz opera

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume Two

The Heliocentric Worlds of Sun Ra, Volume Two

Sun Ra

Explores avant-garde jazz with complex improvisations and cosmic themes, much like Braxton's approach.

Unit Structures

Unit Structures

Cecil Taylor

Features intricate structures and spontaneous improvisation, resonating with Braxton's experimental ethos.

Too Much Sugar for a Dime

Too Much Sugar for a Dime

Henry Threadgill

Combines innovative compositions with fluid improvisation, aligning with the exploratory spirit of Braxton's work.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata