The Frieze Music presentation for 2007 was a performance of Glenn Branca’s epic Symphony No.13: Hallucination City for 100 electric guitars, directed by Branca at London’s Roundhouse on Friday, 12 October.
A piece of transformative beauty, it has been described by the Village Voice as “Branca’s most impressive work ever.”
Glenn Branca, who started out as a member of NY punk outfit Theoretical Girls, began composing for electric guitar ensembles in the early 80s. His ensembles have featured members of Sonic Youth, Swans and Helmet. Hallucination City was premiered in the World Trade Centre Plaza, New York, in 2001 to overwhelming public acclaim.
In the months before the fair, Branca closely supervised the recruitment of the 100 guitarists who were all unpaid volunteers. Two day-long rehearsals took place - directed by Branca - in advance of the much-anticipated performance on Friday, 12 October at London’s Roundhouse.
