Patterns in a Chromatic Field - Morton Feldman, Southbank Centre

This is a rare treat for fans of the late American minimalist composer Morton Feldman, whose work is only occasionally performed live. It’s a small-scale concert in a cosy venue with a single, challenging piece played by new-music specialist Anton Lukoszevieze on the cello and Phillip Thomas on the piano. 

For those of you who are not familiar with Feldman’s music, this 80-minute recital would be a good introduction. Patterns in a Chromatic Field is considered one of his finest late compositions and is a deeply moving piece. And by his standards, it is a relatively short work.

Feldman was a major figure in 20th century music and a pioneer of ‘indeterminate music’, that is, music that lends itself to being performed in substantially different ways. He is best known for his subtly shifting musical patterns and the haze which hangs in the air after notes have been struck.

He was a regular on the New York arts scene in the 1950s and 1960s and was inspired by the paintings of the abstract expressionists. His music was used as a soundtrack for a documentary on Jackson Pollack, and he wrote a piece to accompany the opening of the Mark Rothko chapel in Houston, Texas.

His music is not to everyone's taste. Some respected critics have branded it 'boring' whilst, for others, it is a rewarding, meditative experience. 

Ticket price: £10 plus £1.75 booking fee

Address and map: Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Underground: Embankment/Waterloo