Several Times is a collection spanning over four decades of composer Dennis Kam career. Each composition demonstrates innovative approaches to time and repetition. These innovations reflect a desire to not only learn and understand time, but master it. 'String Quartet No. 1' and 'String Quartet No. 2' were composed 20 years apart from each other, but Dr. Kam’s approach to each composition shares a nucleus: repetition.

It is this "repetitious" nature that will either draw you in or turn you off. Our brains are hardwired to accept repetition on a musical level, as it delivers a hypnotic attraction - the exact reason why, scientists are still debating.

Throughout this album the compositions compel listeners to work out the intricacies of time and repetition - if they can.

I have to admit to not being overly a fan of this collection. There was nothing here that capture my imagination, nor emotionally enriched me in any way. While that is obviously not the aim of the composer I just found the compositions to be bereft of soul or emotion.

If you like your music cold and clinical then this modern approach to composition may hold some merit for you. Personally, I found it a mildly interesting diversion that made me look at classical music in a different perspective.

5

Darren Rea