struggle for pleasure

Originally released in 1988 under the Brussels-based imprint Les Disques Du Crépuscule, Struggle For Pleasure is the undisputed masterpiece by the post-minimalist composer Wim Mertens. The emotionally charged atmospheres of this album, suspended between romanticism and experimentation, recall those of his American counterparts Steve Reich and Philip Glass, even though they are peculiar of his own style. The album features some of Mertens’ biggest hits such as “Close Cover” and “Struggle for Pleasure”, which was chosen by Peter Greenaway as soundtrack of his film “The Belly of an Architect.” This reissue includes the original recordings composed in the Southern France in 1982 and is enriched by two pieces “At Home” and “Not at Home” not included in the first version.

Track listing

Side One

• Tourtour Struggle For Pleasure
• Salernes
• At Home

Side Two

• Close Cover
• Bresque
• Gentleman Of Leisure
• Not At Home