Music by huh?, John Cage, Julius Epstein, and Philip Glass. Played by huh? (There was no printed program.)
OK, I'm back from internet searches. (I should not be working this hard.)
Pauline Oliveros’s Tuning Meditation (1971); John Cage’s In a Landscape (1948), Julius Eastman’s rarely heard Piano 2 (1986); and Philip Glass’s Dreaming Awake (2007). Curated and performed by pianist Pedja Muzijevic.
The first work was a non-starter for me. Ms. Oliveros wrote instructions for people to breathe in and then make a sound on their exhale. The instructions then exhorted the exhalers to increase the listening area of their ears while continuing to exhale/make sounds. It sort of fell flat.
On to the 'real' music, to my ears. The John Cage piece was gently rippling—a wash of sound, often with the sustained pedal on the piano being used. I was reminded of Erik Satie but it was definitely a new voice. There was a nice range of volume while maintaining the gentle quality.
The first movement of the Epstein was much more modern. While being rhythmic and borderline harsh at times, it was also interesting if a bit wandering. The second movement was more rangy on the keyboard, and included more explosive moments than we heard in the first movement. The third movement had repetitive rhythmic phrases—sort of like avant-garde meets Chopsticks. It also meandered and I just didn't get the point.
The Philip Glass piece definitely had his repetitive phrases but they were much more varied than I've experienced listening to this composer. It was actually tuneful at times, with a wistful quality. Indeed, as I was leaving the venue I heard one woman ask her companion, "Was that actually Philip Glass? It didn't sound like his stuff." I agree.
The pieces were performed in a gallery space where Fred Wilson's Chandeliers was on display. It sort of all fit together—the music was at times ethereal and the chandeliers on display were gently dispersing their lights. The concrete artist was on site for the event.
Interestingly, prosecco was available to the guests before the concert began. This was very similar to the Movado Hour at the Baryshnikov Arts Center a few years back. Mr. Muzijevic is associated with the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Curious.
ConcertMeister
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