top of page
Writer's picturelaurentia woo

Anticipating Ensemble Modern's Zankel Hall Concerts




One of today’s leading interpreters of contemporary music, the acclaimed Ensemble Modern is a Frankfurt-based chamber ensemble comprising innovative musicians from around the world. In this program, curated with Pulitzer Prize winner Tania León, Ensemble Modern features music with driving, multilayered rhythms from the past century, including two seminal works from León’s category-defying catalog: Indígena and Rítmicas. Also featured are daring chamber-ensemble arrangements of Conlon Nancarrow’s astonishing player-piano studies and recent works by Andile Khumalo and Christopher Trapani.


Program

TANIA LEÓN Indígena

NANCARROW Study No. 7 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel)

ANDILE KHUMALO Invisible Self

NANCARROW Study No. 6 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel)

CHRISTOPHER TRAPANI no window without a wall (NY Premiere)

NANCARROW Study No. 12 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel)

TANIA LEÓN Rítmicas


In their Zankel Hall concert, Ensemble Modern presents a diverse program featuring works by both established and emerging composers. Here's a brief introduction to the composers and pieces they will perform:

  1. Tania León

  • Indígena: Tania León, a Cuban-American composer, is celebrated for her distinctive blend of Latin, Caribbean, and African influences in her compositions. "Indígena" is expected to showcase her rhythmic complexity and multicultural musical language.

  1. Conlon Nancarrow

  • Study No. 7 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel): Conlon Nancarrow was an American-born composer known for his innovative works for player piano. This transcription of Study No. 7, arranged by Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel, likely demonstrates Nancarrow's fascination with complex rhythms and mechanical precision.

  1. Andile Khumalo

  • Invisible Self: Andile Khumalo, a contemporary composer likely bringing a fresh perspective to the program. "Invisible Self" promises to be an intriguing exploration of identity and introspection.

  1. Christopher Trapani

  • no window without a wall (NY Premiere): Christopher Trapani, an American composer, offers the New York premiere of "no window without a wall." Trapani's works often incorporate elements of folk music and explore intersections between different musical traditions.

  1. Conlon Nancarrow

  • Study No. 6 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel): Another transcription of a Nancarrow study, likely featuring intricate rhythmic patterns and technical challenges.

  1. Conlon Nancarrow

  • Study No. 12 (transcr. Yvar Mikhashoff in cooperation with Charles Schwobel): Yet another transcription of a Nancarrow study, showcasing the ensemble's skill in tackling complex and demanding repertoire.

  1. Tania León

  • Rítmicas: Another composition by Tania León, "Rítmicas" is anticipated to showcase her rhythmic inventiveness and mastery of orchestration.


Ensemble Modern's performance of these works demonstrates their commitment to presenting a diverse range of contemporary compositions, from the intricate rhythmic studies of Conlon Nancarrow to the vibrant multicultural influences of Tania León and the fresh perspectives of emerging composers like Andile Khumalo and Christopher Trapani. Through their meticulous interpretations and virtuosic performances, Ensemble Modern continues to champion the exploration and advancement of contemporary classical music on the global stage.


27 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page