DCD 113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

20th Century 4-Hand Piano Music. The title for this podcast episode looks like a mouthful, but it accurate describes the music we play this time -- and it also is the name of the recording we feature.

Laurel Records released a unique CD from the piano duo of Margret Elson and Elizabeth Swarthout back in 1996. It does indeed include only music composed by Americans in the 20th Century, written for piano four-hands.

Although that seems to be a fairly narrow focus, the duo still had more than enough music to choose from. The disc opens with "Gazebo Dances" from then young and up-and-coming composer John Corigliano. It's a treat to hear this seldom-performed work.

The release surveys the field well. Included are duos by earlier composers such as Wallingford Rieger and Vincent Persichetti, as well as a 1996 composition by Claire Polin.

All in all, it's an exciting program of music that, because it's for piano duo, is not often heard by the public.

Remember, you don't need an iPod to listen to our podcast! Just click on the link below:

DCD Classical 'Cast Enhanced Podcast #113 - 20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music

 - Ralph Graves

This program we play selections from "20th Century American 4-Hand Piano Music" by the Elon-Swarthout Duo. Including:

John Corigliano: Gazebo Dances, Mvts. 1 & 2

Vincent Pershicetti: Concerto for Piano 4 Hands (final mvt.)

Claire Polin: Phantasmagoria

Wallingford Rieger: Evocation

DCD 081 - American Journey

Clipper Erickson has long been a champion of American music. So it only make sense that this talented pianist would eventually record an album of said music.

"American Journey" is showcased in episode #81 of the DCD Classical 'Cast. We sample selections from some of the better-known composers, such as Roy Harris and Quincy Porter. We also feature music from composers deserving more attention, such as Nathaniel Dett, the son of former slaves, and Rubin Goldmark, who at one time counted George Gershwin (also represented on the CD) as one of his students.

- Ralph

This program we play:

Roy Harris: American Ballads, Nos. 1-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
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Rubin Goldmark: Prairie Idylls, Nos. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
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Nathaniel Dett: In the Bottoms, mvts. 4-5
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
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Quincy Porter: Piano Sonata, mvts. 2-3
Clipper Erickson, piano
from "American Journey"
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