DCD 106 - William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music

American composer William Bergsma didn't write much for solo piano. In fact, only three such works are represented in his catalog. Pianist Jill Timmons studied with Bergsma, and in the early 1990's recorded his complete output.

The three works benefit from Timmons' insights and discussions with the composer. In this podcast episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast we sample selections from the three compositions found in this outstanding Laurel Records release.

The longest work, "Tangents" is a series of short piano pieces collected together to make a suite. Bergsma used these sketches as a way to work out themes for his opera The Wife of Martin Guerre.

The other two works might be considered "pure" piano pieces. The Three Fantasies are short, engaging works for piano. The Piano Variations is a more involved work that thoroughly explores an original theme. 

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Enhanced Classical 'Cast #106 - William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from William Bergsma: Complete Piano Music, including:

Tangents - Fanfare and Philosopies

Three Fantasies for Piano, Nos. 2 & 3

Piano Variations, Variations 5-9 and coda

DCD 105 - The Stanford String Quartet

The Stanford String Quartet was formed by members of the music faculty at Stanford University in 1984. They launched on an ambitious task of performing under-represented works, as well as commissioning new music for string quartet.

In 1991 they recorded three of the works they championed for Laurel Records. That recording is featured in this episode of the DCD Classical 'Cast.

William Bolcolm's Tenth Quartet was a commission by the ensemble, as was Ben Johnston's String Quartet No. 9 -- both of which are featured on the album. Although the third composition, Mark Neikrug's String Quartet "Stars' the Mirror," wasn't commissioned by the Stanford Quartet, it did receive its world recording premier on this CD.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to enjoy a podcast. Just click on the link below to download to your computer.

DCD Classical 'Cast #105 - The Stanford String Quartet

- Ralph Graves


This episode we play selections from The Stanford String Quartet release, including:

William Bolcolm: Tenth Quartet (excerpt)

Ben Johnston: String Quartet No. 9, mvts. 2 & 3

Mark Neikrug: String Quartet "Stars' the Mirror" (final section)