October 27, 2008

MODERN DAY HEXAMERON

In 1837, Princess Belgiojoso commissioned six composers to write a set of variations on "March of the Puritans" from Bellini's opera "I Puritani." Commissioned were Liszt, Chopin, Czerny, Thalberg (Liszt's chief rival), Nerz, and Pixis. It's a fun piece, highly virtuosic, and quite unique.

In 2007, pianist Kai Schumacher commissioned twelve composers to collaborate in a similar fassion. It's a rather eclectic group of composers including, in addition to myself, Pierre Jalbert, Marc Mellits, Danny Felsenfeld, Ken Ueno, David Jarrett, David Rakowski, Robert Carl, and Christopher Biggs. The piece will get it's first performance in January at the Folkwang-Hochschule. Visit upcoming concerts for more details.