The program: On the way. Times. Lands

It is fascinating to discover how music from different centuries and far removed places can share a common theme. The enthusiasm and passion of many composers for the heritage of the folkloric music of their own country is the binding theme that guided us during the selection for this program for piano music for four hands.

We started with Brazil and Greece, our own musical roots, the music we know by heart from our childhood. Beautiful melodies and folkloric dances, that composers like Heitor Villa-Lobos and Francisco Mignone in Brazil or Manos Hadjidakis and Nickos Harizanos from Greece adapted and refined through their masterful compositional skills. To this we added pieces from Brahms and Ligeti who both lived long in Vienna. Whilst there, Johannes Brahms was particularly inspired by the waltz, whereas the influence of gypsy music from György Ligeti’s native Hungary cannot be overheard in his music.

From the French music of the 19th century we selected the “Dolly” Suite from Fauré. An oeuvre, whose musical ease can otherwise only be found in nursery rhymes, which inspires composers on all continents to this day.

Tracklist

SHEVA 113: ON THE WAY. TIMES. LANDS.