Jagden und Formen (2002)

"This work stands at the provisional end of a long­term process in which ideas and materials are revisited. Not only does this principle describe the works relation to Rihms output: it also applies to the work itself. Rihm writes very fast so that the titles metaphor of the hunt to describe the immediacy of the compositional act is apposite. There is certainly a sense of relentless forward motion of breathlessness almost. But for a figure as eclectic as Rihm this piece is remarkably single­minded. Only at the end of the piece does Rihm introduce brash chordal utterances clearly reminiscent of tonal (or pre­atonal) orchestral music. This is one of the strongest Rihm scores I have heard. Both the individual contributions and the sense of ensemble of Ensemble Modern under Dominique My are very impressive and the sound recording nicely mediates between the two. Among recordings of Rihms music this ranks very high. Those unfamiliar with his music could do worse than start here." (F. Fitch, Gramophone)