Robert Schumann's Davidsbündlertänze Inspires Sixteen New Miniatures
March 22, 2015 — 6pm
Le Poisson Rouge — 158 Bleecker Street NYC
Join us for the New York Premiere of New Dances of the League of David, our latest Resident Artist Series project, featuring pianist David Kaplan performing Robert Schumann’s Davidsbündlertänze together with "Interruptions and Interludes" by sixteen contemporary composers.
This is a commissioning project with Lyrica Chamber Music and Metropolis, developed by pianist David Kaplan in collaboration with Metropolis and artistic director Andrew Cyr. Artwork contributed by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck. Audio excerpts of New Dances of the League of David were recorded on October 23, 2014 at Yamaha Artist Services by Jessica Slaven.
On the Program
Michael James Gandolfi: Mirrors and Sidesteps*
Schumann/Ted Hearne: Tänze (with a sense of urgency)*
Schumann: ii. Innig
Schumann: iii. Mit Humor
Martin Bresnick: Bundists (Robert, Gyorgy and me) Etwas ungeduldig*
Schumann/Michael Brown: iv. Ungeduldig*
Samuel Carl Adams: II Quietly
Schumann: v. Einfach
Schumann/Gabriel Kahane: No. 6 Sehr rasch und in sich hinein*
Schumann/Timo Andres: David Project*
Ryan Francis: Reminiscence (Delicate, wandering)*
Schumann: viii. Frisch
Schumann: ix. Lefhaft
Hannah Lash: Liebesbrief an Schumann (zart und singend)*
Mohammed Fairouz: Kaplanbundlerstanz*
Schumann/Mark Carlson: for David Kaplan Sehr rasch*
Schumann: xi. Einfach
Caroline Shaw: XVI (mit gutem Humor, un poco lol ma con serioso vibes)*
Marcos Balter: to David Kaplan*
Schumann: xii. Mit Humor
Schumann: xiii. Wild und lustig
Schumann: xiv. Zart und singend
Augusta Read Thomas: Morse Code Fantasy – Hommage to Robert Schumann*
Caleb Burhans: Leid mit Mut (Molto Rubato)*
Schumann: xv. Frisch
Schumann: xvi. Mit gutem Humor
Schumann/Adams: XVII (Quietly, from Afar)*
Schumann: xviii. Nicht schnell
*World Premiere Metropolis Ensemble Commission
The Composers
About David Kaplan
David Kaplan, pianist, has been called “excellent and adventurous” by The New York Times, and praised by the Boston Globe for “grace and fire” at the keyboard. As orchestra soloist, he has appeared with the Britten Sinfonia at London’s Barbican and Das Sinfonie Orchester Berlin at the Philharmonie, and next year makes debuts with the Symphony Orchestras of Hawaii and San Antonio. As recitalist, he has performed at the Ravinia Festival, Sarasota Opera House, Music on Main in Vancouver, Strathmore, Washington’s National Gallery, and New York’s Carnegie and Merkin Halls. Kaplan has consistently drawn critical acclaim for creative programs that interweave classical and contemporary repertoire, often featuring newly commissioned works. Kaplan has recorded for Naxos and Marquis Records, as well as for Nonesuch as part of his longstanding duo with pianist/composer Timo Andres. More »
About Robert Schumann
Robert Schumann was a German composer and critic born in Zwickau on June 8, 1810. A quirky, problematic genius, he wrote some of the greatest music of the Romantic era, and also some of the weakest. Severely affected by what was most likely bipolar disorder, he achieved almost superhuman productivity during his manic periods. His life ended early and miserably with a descent into insanity brought on by syphilis. He did his best work when younger, in small forms: piano pieces and songs. More »
About the Resident Artist Series
In 2011, The June Wu Artists Fund was established to honor the vision of Metropolis Ensemble board member June Wu and her passionate dedication to our community of composers and artists. The Artists Fund helped Metropolis launch our Resident Artist Series, among other artist-led creative and career-building endeavors, to more fully engage our mission to emerge the next generation of outstanding composers and musicians. This ongoing series offers a platform for Metropolis Ensemble performing artists and composers to co-produce concerts, musical events, and social gatherings, giving them unique opportunities to collaborate with those who inspire them.
New Dances of the League of David, is the fourth project in this series. To date, 25 new works have been commissioned and premiered with harpist Bridget Kibbey, violinist Kristin Lee, and composer Ricardo Romaneiro, with more to come this season and next with cellist Ashley Bathgate, bassoonist/composer Brad Balliett, and pianist Conor Hanick.