Album insights
Yuja Wang shines as a soloist in the world premiere recording of a new piano concerto specially composed for her by her friend, Teddy Abrams. Abrams, a highly versatile musician—pianist, clarinetist, composer, and music director of the Louisville Orchestra—became friends with the star pianist during their study years. Originally intended as a brief accompaniment piece to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," Abrams' piano concerto evolved into a standout composition. Celebrating the richness of American musical culture and the vast depth and breadth of Yuja Wang's virtuosity, the concerto unfolds in eleven sections. From a Big-Band overture in swing style to three solo cadenzas and passages infused with Latin jazz elements and hints of boogie-woogie, American gospel tunes, and Broadway showstoppers, the work is a vibrant amalgamation of styles. Abrams describes the concerto as a representation of one of the strengths of American culture: its plurality and interconnectedness. Also featured on the album is an improvisational piece titled "You Come Here Often?" created by another close friend, Michael Tilson Thomas, for Yuja Wang. Transitioning from a simple rhythmic riff to a jazz-fusion piece with reflective moments and a rousing finale, the track showcases a blend of genres. Both compositions were recorded with the Louisville Orchestra under Abrams' direction.