COMPOSERS IN PLAY IX: Sherkin's Piano Sonatas

Description

COMPOSERS IN PLAY IX: Sherkin's Piano Sonatas

 

PROGRAM: 

Sonata No. 1, "Sunderance" (2008) 

Sonata No 2 "Cwn Annwn" (or "Hounds of Hell," 2014) 

Sonata No. 3 "Ended in Ice" (2017) 

Sonata No. 4 "Rumoured Green" (2023) for solo piano + toy piano 

 

Adam Sherkin's piano sonatas, written over the span of fifteen years, encompass multiple stylistic periods in the artist's output and pose considerable virtuosic demands. Sherkin has conceived of sonata-form with a broad, 21st century approach: each work has a subtitle bearing an extra musical reference but the materials in play remain abstract and objective. Sonata No. 1, "Sunderance," written in 2008, was inspired by an essay of Virginia Woolf's. Sonata No. 2 "Cwn Annwn" (or, "Hounds of Hell") is a three-movement work, depicting various accounts of the spectral hounds of the Welsh afterworld. Ancient folklore tells of eerie dogs with blood red eyes who growl loudest when they are at a distance. As they approach, their cries soften; upon closest appearance they bring portents of death. The Third Sonata, "Ended in Ice" derives its title from a well-known poem by Robert Frost; the work was written after Sherkin travelled to Iceland in 2017. Finally, Sonata No. 4 with toy piano, "Rumours of Green," receives its world premiere: imagining the threat of an antidemocratic future plagued by climate crises and lack of resources, while looking backward to history and humanity's cycle of - and compulsion for - war.

 

The Venue: Tenri Cultural Institute

Located in the heart of New York City, the Tenri Cultural Institute is known for its dedication to promoting the study of Japanese and related cultures, and for hosting a plethora of cultural events, including new music concerts. The venue's acoustic excellence, Steinway B grand piano and intimate setting make it the perfect platform for Piano Lunaire's main stage series, COMPOSERS IN PLAY..

Join us for an evening of deep musical exploration and appreciation. We look forward to welcoming you to COMPOSERS IN PLAY IX: Sherkin's Piano Sonatas.

Date & Time

Sun, Oct 27, 2024 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Venue Details

Tenri Cultural Institute

43A West 13th Street
New York, New York 10011

PIANO LUNAIRE