Persepolis is a 56-min piece of multi-channel electroacoustic music, unrelenting in its density and continuously evolving architecture. The original presentation included two lasers, 92 spotlights, and bonfires and processions of torches on the neighboring hillsides. The music was diffused throughout the site over 59 loudspeakers. In the middle of the desert, in the middle of the summer, it would have been, and by all accounts was, an awesome experience. (Harley, James.”Iannis Xenakis: Persepolis”. Computer music Journal 25.1 (2001) 92-93)

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The second of Xenakis’ commissions for the Shiraz Arts Festival, this time for the extra-special, extra-lavish, extra-ridiculous celebration of 2,500 years of Persian monarchy (roasted peacock stuffed with foie gras?). In 2002, Asphodel Records released a remix album.

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Download Persepolis [link removed at request of Edition RZ]