Composers Concordance is hosting a Composers Play Composers Marathon tonight featuring 21 participants.
Peter Jarvis has sent word that, in honor of Milton Babbitt’s recent passing, he’ll be performing Milton’s Homily for snare drum on the event.
The organizers have shared more details in a promotional video (below). Tickets are $20, but you get a free beverage along with a dynamic evening of music-making.
Sunday, January 30 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Drom
85 Avenue A (between 5th & 6th Sts.)
New York, NY
Three Concerts in One Day! Twelve pieces, including two one-act operas: 6 1/2 hours of music.
Here’s what we heard:
10 AM
Fantasia for String Trio …Irving Fine
Ten Miniatures for Solo Piano … Helen Grime
Circles … Luciano Berio
Piece pour piano et quatuor de cordes … Oliver Messiaen
Since Brass, nor Stone … Alexander Goehr
Design School … Michael Gandolfi
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2:30 PM (BSO in the Shed)
An American in Paris … George Gershwin
Seven Studies on Themes of Paul Klee … Gunther Schuller
Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs … Leonard Bernstein
Piano Concerto in F … George Gershwin
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8 PM Two one-act operas
Full Moon in March … John Harbison
Where the Wild Things Are … Oliver Knussen
Christian’s Top Three
Knussen – a momentous experience to hear this live!
Fine – Beautiful performance. Makes me want to know his work better.
Schuller – His best piece: hands down.
Kay’s Top Three
Knussen – I loved how he evoked the different locations & moods — and the barbershop quartet near the end!
Gershwin – An American in Paris – It transports me to Paris every time I hear it. It was stunning to hear it played so beautifully by the BSO (in terrific seats!)
Messiaen – Unexpected sound qualities from the instruments – hearing a piano quintet played in such an exciting, colorful, and fresh way.
We both also enjoyed Helen Grime’s music a great deal. She’s a special talent – keep an eye out for her!
