Immerse yourself in the avant-garde brilliance of Charles Ives with this captivating album, featuring two monumental piano sonatas. The centerpiece is Ives' Piano Sonata No. 2, subtitled "Concord, Mass., 1840-60," a profound and complex work inspired by the transcendentalist philosophers and writers who lived in Concord, Massachusetts. The sonata is divided into four movements, each named after a prominent figure: Emerson, Hawthorne, The Alcotts, and Thoreau. This piece is a testament to Ives' innovative compositional style, blending romanticism with modernist techniques.
Complementing Ives' masterpiece is John Harbison's Piano Sonata No. 1, composed in memoriam to Roger Sessions. Harbison, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, offers a compelling and introspective counterpart to Ives' work, showcasing his own unique voice within the avant-garde genre.
Recorded in 2008 and released on Bridge Records, this album spans a total duration of 1 hour and 6 minutes. It's a journey through the minds of two visionary composers, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience for those eager to explore the depths of avant-garde piano music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the genre, this album promises a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the piano sonata form.
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