Oktet - Deux Danses Macabres

(SW1010) (SW1011)
1.0.1.0 - 0.1.1.0 - pc (1 pl.) - pno - 1.0.0.0.1
In this mixed octet, the composer deals apart on its inherent rhythmically refined way with the genre tradition of the Totentanz, which appears in music history as a character piece again and again in different lineups. 
Ridil confronts here two completely contrasting rhythm models with each other: determined the first part of a term coined by the structure 3-2-2-3 "Bulgarian rhythm" that seems to sweep away all that is earthly in its almost breathtaking speed  of eighth = 208, while in second part is based of a four-meter, whose "straightness" is excellent corrupted by various syncopations and shifts. 
The composer's penchant for striking rhythmic occurs is here overt perhaps most than in almost any other of his works. Set of instruments and instrumentation are inasmuch an astute choice when it succeeds in it, timbre contrasts and timbre characters act out in the sense of "Gioco delle coppie" .
The musically and technically extremely witty and substantial work is partially enormous demands on the performers ensemble and playing technique to secure a particular challenge. But it is also a very "delicious" chamber music "treats" that has quite rightly get the first prize in a composition contest of the city of Münster at the time.