His lifework, that is what Ukrainian-Dutch composer Maxim Shalygin calls the magnificent cycle SIMILAR. The Minimal Music Festival is presenting the cycle in conjunction for the very first time: not only will the three existing parts be heard during the festival, tonight’s concluding concert will feature the premiere of the brand new fourth part.
Delirium consists of an ensemble of four pianos – in S I M I L A R, sound wizard Shalygin delves deep into the possibilities of ensembles composed entirely of identical instruments. Four top pianists (photo; Diana Blok), Tomoko Mukaiyama, Antonii Baryshevskyi, Gerard Bouwhuis and Laura Sandee piano will play the unparalleled nuances of sound and emotion.
‘The idea is to gradually bring the listener into a state of weightlessness,’ the composer says of Delirium. The piano has a very precise touch, but by constantly shifting rhythms, Shalygin disrupts the sense of a clear pulse: thus he creates a compelling musical flow that seems to float freely in space. S I M I L A R’s earlier movements are Lacrimosa for seven violins, Todos los fuegos el fuego for eight saxophones and Severade for nine cellos.
Made possible in part by the Vrienden van het Muziekgebouw and the Tomoko Mukaiyama Foundation.
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