Classical NOW! – For John Cage (The adventure of the avant-garde)
Artist in residence Antonii Baryshevskyi is internationally known as a leading pianist for 20th-century and new music. At the HaagsPianoHuis, he dedicates two recitals to the 20th-century avant-garde, one of the most exciting movements in music history.
With violinist Orest Smovzh, he presents a programme around John Cage, including Morton Feldman's 80-minute-long tribute to John Cage, which demands the utmost concentration from both musicians. In a solo recital, he performs works from the 1960s by composers from Valentin Silvestrov's circle. Smuggled to Kyiv, scores of compositions by Boulez and Stockhausen inspired them to develop their very own revolutionary style. A diptych of groundbreaking music from two metropolises: New York and Kyiv.
John Cage and Morton Feldman profoundly influenced the music of the 20th century. As close friends and members of the New York School of composers, they shared a fascination for new sounds and compositional techniques. Violinist Orest Smovzh and pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi highlight their musical worlds.
The concert opens with Two6, one of Cage's last compositions from 1992. This contemplative and hushed piece is a fascinating dialogue between music and silence. The 1950 Six Melodies was written by Cage during the period when he was experimenting with prepared piano and immersing himself in Eastern philosophy. The rarely played 1947 Nocturne shows a strikingly romantic and lyrical side of Cage. He never got closer to Chopin.
The second half of the programme is devoted to Feldman's 1982 For John Cage. A work of no less than 80 minutes with whisper-soft sounds slowly unfolding in time. The music moves forward almost imperceptibly, like the changing light on a painting. With just a few notes, Feldman creates a universe of shadows and light. An unforgettable listening experience in which, as a listener, you completely transcend time.
Performers
- Orest Smovzh violine
- Antonii Baryshevskyi piano
Program
- John Cage
- Two6 (1992)
- Six Melodies (1950)
- Nocturne (1947)
Morton Feldman
For John Cage (1982)