Joanna MacGregor: Piano Works by Conlon Nancarrow

Conlon Nancarrow, born in Texarkana, Arkansas in 1912, was an American avant-garde composer who left an indelible mark on the world of music with his innovative and complex compositions. Known as the 'father of machine music,' Nancarrow is celebrated for his groundbreaking work with player pianos, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in musical performance. His 50 studies for player piano are a testament to his ingenuity, often requiring the instrument to play at speeds and with rhythms that would be impossible for human hands. Nancarrow's journey took him from playing trumpet in jazz bands to studying music formally, and eventually to Mexico City, where he spent the majority of his life in relative obscurity. Despite this, his work has since been recognized for its brilliance and influence, making him a key figure in the avant-garde genre. His compositions, such as the Sonatina for Piano, continue to captivate audiences and inspire musicians worldwide.