Messe Pour Le Temps Présent

by John BushThough it's perhaps Henry's best-known work, Messe Pour le Temps Présent isn't the best display of the powers of musique concrète. Similar to the glut of crossover Moog rock albums around the same time, Henry's occasional bursts of searing computer static are accompanied by a faux '60s go-go beat. It's an intriguing release, but works better for novelty fans and beginners who would rather have a gradual immersion into musique concrète. It earns its stars, however, for its reissue on a French CD that also includes several of Henry's other compositions, including "Variations Pour une Porte et un Soupir."