Introduction
Embarking on the creation of my eighth album, Hanging By a Thread (2022), has been a profound exploration of sonic continuity, pushing the boundaries of contemporary piano music. Known for my dedication to 20th and 21st-century American compositions, this album delves into uncharted territories, weaving together minimalist elements, subtle spectralism, and a profound exploration of rhythm and sound. In this reflection, I will guide you through the intricacies of each composition, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs encountered during the recording process.
To Spill Oneself Away: Navigating the Abyss
The journey begins with Dorothy Hindman’s To Spill Oneself Away, a piece that sets the tone for the entire album. Collaborating with Hindman once again, the perpetual motion in this composition creates a sensation of being pulled in all directions simultaneously, an experience akin to madness. The complexity of emotions intertwined with the forward-backward, up-and-down motions serves as a captivating introduction, immersing the listener in a sonic abyss.
Alican Çamci’s Literal Metaphor
Shifting gears, Alican Çamci’s work takes a more literal approach. The sound of a ripe fruit falling is depicted directly, with metaphorical undertones fading as the piece progresses. In just over two minutes, deep, low notes mark the impact of the fruit hitting the ground, contrasting with crystalline gestures in the higher keyboard sections. This exploration of metaphorical resonance showcases the piano’s expressive versatility.
Andrea Mazariello’s Energetic Tapestry
The heart of the album lies in Andrea Mazariello’s As Far as You Can Stretch a Web, a composition marked by its energetic personality and the unconventional use of triad chords. Departing from the norm in contemporary music, the piece achieves cohesion through skillful variation and contrast across its five movements, culminating in a powerful final recapitulation. The challenge lay in navigating the unexplored territory of triadic chords in the context of modern composition.
Takuma Itoh’s Intermezzo: A Gentle Respite
Gradually introducing light, Takuma Itoh’s Intermezzo immerses the listener in gentle and delicate tones. The piece creates an impression of lacking a clearly defined beginning and end, acting as a soothing interlude before the final stretch of the album. As a performer, I embraced the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance, guiding the listener through a state of tranquil reflection.
Echoes: Kirsten Soriano Broberg’s Resonant Exploration
Kirsten Soriano Broberg, a familiar collaborator featured on my debut album, returns with Echoes. The composition subtly explores the range of harmonics associated with a fundamental sound, allowing the piano’s inherent resonance to emerge as the true core. This meticulous exploration adds depth to the album’s narrative, uncovering the expressive potential of the instrument.
Your Hands, As They Are: Tranquil Resolution
Returning to the spotlight, Andrea Mazariello’s Your Hands, As They Are represents the album’s most tranquil moment. Revisiting familiar triadic chords, the composition concludes with a perfect B major, offering a sense of resolution. Mazariello’s ability to navigate through contrasting emotional landscapes showcases the versatility and emotional range of contemporary piano music.
Blue Diamonds: Paul Dresher’s Grand Finale
The album reaches its zenith with the powerful Blue Diamonds by Paul Dresher. This composition, with its multiple sections, mirrors the twisting and transforming nature of refracted light on a coveted gemstone. The intricate passages, rhythmic games, changing time signatures, and recurring themes encapsulate the essence of the entire album. The meticulous effort in seeking a shared aesthetic among the diverse composers featured is particularly evident in this grand finale.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hanging By a Thread has been a personal journey through uncharted territories of contemporary piano music. Each composition is a unique chapter in a larger narrative, connected by the single thread that ties them together. From the unsettling journey into madness to the tranquil moments of reflection, the album invites listeners to experience a diverse range of emotions. The skillful interplay of minimalist elements, spectralism, and rhythmic exploration creates a cohesive and engaging listening experience. As a performer, I am proud to present an album that pushes the boundaries of contemporary piano music, offering a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with both the intellect and the soul.
