CONTEMPORARY PIANO MINIATURES
piano miniatures | short piano pieces | piano music cycle | contemporary piano miniatures | contemporary piano miniatures | short pieces for piano
PERISCOPES
miniatures for solo piano
Duration:
30 minutes
Instrumentation:
piano solo
Year Composed:
2009
Commissioned By:
In memory of Adele and John Gray
Premiere Performance:
31 March 2012
London, United Kingdom
Gila Goldstein, piano
MODERN MINIATURES FOR PIANO
Program Notes:
Somewhere in the middle of an imaginary ocean, a friendly submarine extends its periscope to the surface on a mission of discovery. What awaits above the water? What will be seen? In Periscopes, I have depicted twelve distinct miniatures, each transporting the listener into a unique sonic world.
Movements:
1. Voyage
2. Howdy!
3. The Maiden and her Soldier…
4. Suspicious Fluids
5. A Dusky Fall
6. The Wondrous Park Carousel
7. Towards the Unknown
8. Awakening
9. The Garden behind the Gate
10. Cotton Candy Man
11. Before Farewell
12. Night Ride
Periscopes was generously commissioned in memory of Adele and John Gray.
Score of Periscopes for solo piano
Contemporary Piano Miniatures
The landscape of contemporary piano music is rich with brief yet impactful compositions, often referred to as miniatures. These pieces, typically short and expressive, offer a unique glimpse into the creative minds of modern composers. Here are some notable contemporary piano miniatures by renowned composers:
Toru Takemitsu: Litany (1950, revised 1989)
Toru Takemitsu's "Litany" is a set of short, meditative pieces that explore delicate harmonies and atmospheric textures. This work reflects Takemitsu's unique voice in contemporary piano music.
Tristan Murail: Territoires de l'Oubli (1977)
Tristan Murail's "Territoires de l'Oubli" is a minimalist piece that explores the decay of sound over time. This contemporary miniature is known for its innovative use of the piano's resonance and overtones.
György Kurtág: Játékok (1973–)
György Kurtág's "Játékok" is a collection of piano pieces that resemble playful games. These miniatures are characterized by their brevity and emotional depth, making them a significant contribution to contemporary piano literature.
Luciano Berio: Six Encores (1990)
Luciano Berio's "Six Encores" are a set of six brief piano pieces, each with its unique character and mood. These miniatures showcase Berio's inventive approach to piano writing, making them essential additions to the contemporary repertoire.
George Benjamin: Shadowlines (2001)
George Benjamin's "Shadowlines" is a collection of six short pieces that explore the interplay between light and shadow through music. These miniatures are characterized by their complex structures and evocative qualities.
Hans Abrahamsen: 10 Studies (1984–1998)
Hans Abrahamsen's "10 Studies" are a set of short, diverse pieces that showcase his unique approach to piano writing. These miniatures are known for their clarity, precision, and imaginative use of the instrument.
Kaija Saariaho: Prelude (2007)
Kaija Saariaho's "Prelude" is a captivating and meditative piece composed in 2007. This work exemplifies Saariaho's innovative approach to piano composition, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary piano works.
These contemporary piano miniatures represent just a small sampling of the rich and diverse world of modern piano compositions. They offer a glimpse into the innovative and creative approaches that contemporary composers bring to the instrument, making them essential additions to any pianist's repertoire