Two of today’s most exciting pianists, Yuja Wang and Víkingur Ólafsson, come together for a unique collaboration, performing a wide-ranging program of works for two pianos and piano four hands. Both pianists are known for consistently surpassing expectations, earning worldwide recognition for their individual performances. As they join forces, they bring an exciting new dimension to the piano repertoire, unlocking a world of programmatic possibilities. The concert includes works by Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Thomas Adès, Nancarrow, and avant-garde pioneers such as Cage, Berio, John Adams, and Arvo Pärt.
Luciano Berio – “Wasserklavier” from Six Encores for Piano
Luciano Berio, a leading figure in the post–World War II European avant-garde, was renowned for his complex compositions that often surprised listeners with their accessibility. A prime example of this is Wasserklavier, a short tonal essay from Berio’s Six Encores for Piano. The piece features delicate, aqueous textures that evoke the sounds of water, creating an ethereal atmosphere reminiscent of Debussy’s style.
Franz Schubert – Fantasie in F Minor, D. 940
Schubert’s Fantasie in F Minor, D. 940 is a work that combines the intimacy of the salon with an almost symphonic grandeur. Composed of four interconnected sections, each with a distinct character, the Fantasie embodies the essence of Schubert’s lyrical genius, elevating his piano music to a level of rich emotional depth. Unlike his shorter piano pieces, this work displays a broad range of emotions and textures, making it a fitting centerpiece in the program.
John Cage – Experiences No. 1
John Cage’s Experiences No. 1, an early piano duet, reflects his lifelong commitment to music that defies traditional structures. Written at Black Mountain College in North Carolina, this piece exemplifies Cage’s avant-garde approach, with music that “has no beginning, middle, or ending, nor any center of interest.” Its free-form nature aligns with Cage’s belief in the organic unfolding of sound, making it a challenging and immersive work for listeners.
Conlon Nancarrow – Study No. 6 (Arranged by Thomas Adès)
Conlon Nancarrow, like Cage, was known as a musical maverick, and his Study No. 6 stands as one of his most distinctive works. Originally written for player piano, this arrangement by British composer Thomas Adès highlights the music’s quirky lyricism while maintaining the vibrant energy of the original. The result is a piece that blends mechanical precision with a lively, almost jazzy vitality.
John Adams – Hallelujah Junction
John Adams, a prominent figure in the West Coast new-music scene, presents his Hallelujah Junction, a dynamic duet that reflects his unique compositional style. A Pulitzer Prize winner, Adams is known for his lively and rhythmic compositions. In this piece, he humorously writes, “The ghost of Conlon Nancarrow goes head to head with a Nevada cathouse pianola.” The playful interplay of two pianos creates an exciting, rollicking energy that stands in stark contrast to the more meditative works in the program.
Arvo Pärt – Hymn to a Great City
Arvo Pärt’s Hymn to a Great City reflects his minimalist style, characterized by spare, often hypnotically repetitive music. After renouncing the complexity of the post–World War II avant-garde, Pärt became a prominent figure in the minimalist movement. Hymn to a Great City, a work inspired by New York City, showcases his ability to create deep emotional resonance through simple, yet profound harmonic structures.
Sergei Rachmaninoff – Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
The final work of the evening is Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Op. 45, which represents the composer’s swan song. Originally intended as a ballet score, the three-movement suite is a stunning composition that transcends its original purpose. Rachmaninoff’s alternative versions for piano duet highlight the music’s richness, offering a powerful conclusion to an evening of musical exploration.
In this collaboration, Yuja Wang and Víkingur Ólafsson take listeners on a journey through a diverse and challenging repertoire, seamlessly blending traditional works with experimental compositions. Their performance is a celebration of the limitless possibilities of the piano and the artistic chemistry between two of the world’s most exciting pianists.
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