Album insights
The tradition of the piano composer and virtuoso thrives under the skilled hands and creative mind of Frederic Rzewski. Born in Massachusetts in 1938, Rzewski's composition career defies easy categorization. His influences range from avant-garde experimentation with John Cage to collaborations with jazz innovators. Rzewski's immersion in musical experimentation began in the 1960s, shaping his unique compositional style.
While in Italy on a Fulbright scholarship, Rzewski collaborated with avant-garde artists and recorded works by Stockhausen and Boulez. He co-founded MEV, a group blending live electronics and improvisation, bridging classical and jazz avant-gardists. Rzewski's compositions from the late '60s and early '70s integrated elements of improvisation and theater, reflecting his growing interest in politically charged themes.
One of Rzewski's notable works, "The People United Will Never Be Defeated!," emerged from a commission by pianist Ursula Oppens after hearing Sergio Ortega's Chilean protest song. Rzewski's variations, rapidly composed in 1975, demonstrate a striking mix of structure and fervent virtuosity. Engaging with themes of social change and political activism, Rzewski's compositions exhibit a bold approach that combines innovation with accessibility.
Another significant collaboration in Rzewski's career was with late pianist Paul Jacobs, who championed contemporary music until his passing in 1983. Rzewski composed "North American Ballads" for Jacobs, drawing inspiration from Bach's chorale preludes to create intricate polyphonic structures in each piece. Rzewski's innovative approach to themes like "Down by the Riverside" and "Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues" showcases a blend of tradition and contemporary urgency, underscoring his ability to be both a radical innovator and an artist accessible to diverse audiences.