Bologna Festival: Emanuele Arciuli

About the Event

Variations and virtual sounds with pianist Emanuele Arciuli at the Oratorio San Filippo Neri part of the Bologna Festival.

John Cage transformed the piano into a theatrical instrument by placing screws, bolts and other objects between its strings. Today, however, technological innovation has taken the concept of the prepared piano beyond its physical origins. This is demonstrated by Emanuele Arciuli—widely regarded as one of the foremost interpreters and scholars of American music—who presents the world premiere of his Prepared Piano Music at Bologna Festival. Harnessing digital technology, Arciuli’s concept allows the piano hammers to trigger sensors sampling the sounds of a prepared piano, creating an innovative sonic experience.

These timbral and technological explorations are set within a fascinating journey through the world of variations: from the Classical tradition of Haydn to the jazz language of Thelonious Monk. A compelling demonstration of how the ancient art of variation remains a fertile ground for encounter, reinvention and musical memory.

PROGRAMME:

VARIATIONS AND VIRTUAL SOUNDS

John Cage
Prepared Piano Music
Bacchanale, A Room/Daughters of the Lonesome Island/The Perilous Night
Franz Joseph Haydn
Variations in C major, Hob. XVII:5
Matthew Quayle
Variations (with regards to Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Chick Corea and Keith Jarrett) – for E. Arciuli
Franz Joseph Haydn
Variations in F minor, Hob. XVII:6
Various composers
Round Midnight Variations – Homage to Thelonious Monk – for E. Arciuli
Theme
John Harbison Monk’s Trope
Michael Daugherty Monk in the Kitchen