"Colorful, haunting,
accomplished and exciting..."
The Boston Globe
MODERN PIANO PIECES
contemporary piano music | solo piano compositions | 20th century piano pieces | 21st century piano music | modern piano cycles | piano compositions jazz influence | film-noir piano music | dramatic piano pieces | expressionist piano music | contemporary piano compositions | solo piano repertoire | atmospheric piano music | piano music with character | contemporary classical piano
THE OLD PHOTO BOX
for piano solo
Duration:
58 minutes
Instrumentation:
piano solo
Year Composed:
2006
Commissioned by:
In memory of Adele and John Gray
Premiere Performance:
(full cycle)
Geoffrey Burleson, Gila Goldstein, Pablo Lavandera,
Luba Poliak and Einav Yarden
New York, NYC, USA
17 May 2006
contemporary piano music
THEMES:
Program Notes:
Imagine finding an old photo box in the dusty attic, each photo telling a story frozen in time. Suddenly, the images start moving, coming to life, and they send you into daydreams, flashbacks, and recollections. With twenty miniatures, each restricted to only a few minutes, I have tried to portray stories, dramas condensed with visual details that sometimes resemble short movies. Some of these portraits are based on my actual experiences, while others are completely imaginary.
The Old Photo Box was generously commissioned in memory of Adele and John Gray.
Movements:
1. The Attic
2. Monsieur Lepic Missing his Train
3. A Drizzly Evening in Berlin
4. The Wanted Clown
5. Shadows Cross Boulevard Saint-Germain
6. Kaleidoscopic Daydreams
7. A Gloomy Man at the Tavern
8. Practice Room Hunt
9. The Cave of One Question
10. Mirage
11. The Chase
12. Pont Saint-Louis
13. The Army General and a Clown [sharing one stage]
14. Yorckstraße Train Station – 1:00AM
15. Old Note Found in a Book
16. Murder at the French Cabaret
17. The Abandoned Jazz Club
18. Smuggler's Boat – Coastguard Boat
19. The Mad Hatter Goes to a Silent Movie
20. Between Dream and Reality
THE OLD PHOTO BOX Score-Video
THE OLD PHOTO BOX Full Cycle
Sarah Bob, piano
THE OLD PHOTO BOX
Selections
Einav Yarden, piano
Modern Piano Sheet Music
modern piano sheet music | piano solo compositions sheet music | 20th century piano music sheets | 21st century piano sheet music | contemporary piano scores | jazz-inspired piano music | film-noir piano compositions | expressive piano pieces sheet music | modern classical piano sheet music | piano music for dramatic scenes | atmospheric piano sheet music | contemporary solo piano scores | piano music with jazz elements | advanced piano compositions
Modern Masterpieces for Solo Piano
The landscape of modern piano compositions by living composers is vast and diverse, showcasing the innovation and creativity of today's leading musicians. These contemporary piano works push the boundaries of traditional piano music, offering fresh and exciting repertoire for pianists. Here are some notable modern pieces for solo piano by renowned composers:
Elliott Carter: Night Fantasies (1980)
Elliott Carter's "Night Fantasies" is a complex and richly textured piece composed in 1980. This work is known for its rapid changes in tempo and mood, offering pianists a challenging and rewarding experience. It remains a significant contribution to current piano compositions.
György Ligeti: Etudes (1985-2001)
György Ligeti's "Etudes" are a set of piano pieces composed between 1985 and 2001. These works are celebrated for their technical demands and innovative use of rhythm and harmony. Ligeti's "Etudes" are considered masterpieces of new piano music compositions.
Pierre Boulez: Sonatine (1946)
Boulez's "Sonatine" for flute and piano, although not strictly unaccompanied, remains a pivotal work that highlights the flute's virtuosity and Boulez's avant-garde style.
Toru Takemitsu: Rain Tree Sketch II (1992)
"Rain Tree Sketch II" by Toru Takemitsu is a beautifully evocative piece composed in 1992. This work is notable for its lyrical and atmospheric qualities, reflecting Takemitsu's unique voice in piano music from living composers.
Philip Glass: Etudes (1994-2012)
Philip Glass's "Etudes" are a collection of 20 pieces that span from 1994 to 2012. These works highlight Glass's signature minimalist style, characterized by repetitive motifs and subtle variations. The "Etudes" are widely regarded as essential modern piano compositions, reflecting the evolution of Glass's musical language.
John Adams: Phrygian Gates (1977-1978)
"Phrygian Gates" by John Adams is an innovative and complex piece that explores various modal harmonies. Composed between 1977 and 1978, this work is a hallmark of contemporary piano music, showcasing Adams's unique approach to rhythm and texture.
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.
Unsuk Chin: Etudes (1995-2003)
Unsuk Chin's "Etudes" are a remarkable collection of six pieces composed between 1995 and 2003. These works explore a wide range of pianistic techniques and textures, solidifying Chin's reputation as a leading figure in contemporary piano music.
Thomas Adès: Traced Overhead (1996)
Thomas Adès's "Traced Overhead" is a dynamic and expressive work composed in 1996. This piece challenges pianists with its intricate rhythms and demanding technical passages, making it a standout in the repertoire of contemporary piano music composers.
These pieces represent just a small sampling of the rich and diverse world of modern piano compositions by living composers. They offer a glimpse into the innovative and creative approaches that contemporary piano music composers bring to the instrument, making them essential additions to any pianist's repertoire.