David Dalle
Thursday April 19th, 2018 with David Dalle
Music for two pianos by Frank Horvat, Astor Piazzolla, Stravinsky. With solo violin and tangos intertwined with Iraqi classical maqam. Cecil Taylor alone at the piano.

The focus today is on those incredible 88 keys which can produce endless worlds of music. We will hear a set of music bookended by two pieces for two pianos. Starting with a recent recording by composer/pianist Frank Horvat and his "Piano Piece No. 5" and ending with Igor Stravinksy's "Concerto for two solo pianos" from 1935. In between we will hear a range of music with solo tango etudes on the violin intertwined with Iraqi classical music and more two piano music by Astor Piazzolla. Of his "Piano Piece No. 5" Frank Horvat writes: "Unlike many of my compositions, this piece is not programmatic, as is evident by the nondescript title. That being said, when I listen to it, I can see much of my own personality and favourite musical characteristics: motoric, percussive, unsettled, dramatic and moody. Having 2 pianos achieve all this is a plus because of the “big” nature of the sound of the combined instruments. I want it to feel orchestral but with the one-dimensional nature of the timbre." We hear a recording of the world premiere given by the Millar Piano Duo in November at the University of New Hampshire. At first glance, it may seem shocking that the "Concerto for two solo pianos" was by the same composer who composed the "Rite of Spring" we heard a few weeks ago in its 2 piano arrangement. But Stravinsky was always a musical chameleon. This work that he completed in 1935 was during a decade of writing concert music and was particularly inspired by Beethoven and wanting a piece he could perform with his pianist son Soulima. We will also hear the astonishing genius of Cecil Taylor, alone at the piano, in his first solo piano release from 1973.