Dive into the avant-garde world of Stefan Wolpe with his captivating album "Stefan Wolpe, Vol. 8: Music for 2 Pianos." This collection, released on April 5, 2019, under Bridge Records, offers a unique blend of chamber music that showcases Wolpe's distinctive compositional style. The album spans a rich hour and seven minutes, featuring a variety of pieces that highlight the intricate interplay between two pianos.
The album opens with "March & Variations, Op. 21," setting the stage for a journey through Wolpe's musical narrative. The centerpiece of the collection is "The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos)," a multi-movement work that tells the story of Moses with dramatic flair and emotional depth. Each movement, from "Overture [Portrait of Moses]" to "Moses Walks Among the People, Commands Some to Be Killed," offers a glimpse into Wolpe's ability to convey complex themes through music.
Complementing this epic work are the "4 Studies on Basic Rows, Op. 23," including the intense "Presto furioso" and the contemplative "Passacaglia." These studies demonstrate Wolpe's mastery of form and structure, providing a counterpoint to the narrative intensity of "The Man from Midian."
Performed by the talented duo Quattro Mani, this album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the richness of Wolpe's musical legacy. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "Stefan Wolpe, Vol. 8: Music for 2 Pianos" offers a compelling exploration of one of the 20th century's most innovative composers.
2019 Bridge Records2019 Bridge Records
Tracks
March & Variations, Op. 21Stefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 1, Overture [Portrait of Moses]Stefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 2, Serfdom [Lamentation]Stefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 3, Mother Conceals ChildStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 4, Pharoah's Daughter Bathes in the Nile, Finds the BabyStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 5, ProcessionStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 6, Pet of the Court - Political IntrigueStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 7, Moses Among the WorkersStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 8, Moses Buries the Taskmaster in the SandStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 9, Conversation with GodStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 10, Moses Meets Aaron - Command of Moses for the WatersStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 11, March Through the Red SeaStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 12, RestlessnessStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 13, Aaron's DesperationStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 14, Joshua's PleadingStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 15, BacchanalStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 16, Return of Moses - Breaking of Tablets - Moses Falls on the Arm of JoshuaStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 17, Moses Walks Among the People, Commands Some to Be KilledStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
The Man from Midian (Version for 2 Pianos): No. 18, Gathering of PeopleStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
4 Studies on Basic Rows, Op. 23: No. 3. Presto furiosoStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
4 Studies on Basic Rows, Op. 23: No. 4. PassacagliaStefan Wolpe, Quattro Mani
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