Electro-Acoustic Ensemble  presents:

Pierre Boulez Centenary Concert – Piano Excursions 2

works by Pierre Boulez, John Cage and Toru Takemitsu.

This concert is dedicated Tony Denison

Performers:

Pianos: Stanislaw Hansel and Nigel Bartram.

In celebration of Pierre Boulez’ centenary we are offering a rare performance of his formidable and highly virtuosic piece: Sonata no 2 for piano ( 1948 ). Lasting over half an hour, it takes the listener through many musical landscapes that are unknown and incomprehensible, yet still compelling and diverse – from the rich and complex to the calm and clear. Written just after the Nazi Occupation of Paris, this work of fury and rage as to what had happened, is required to destroy musical tradition and form . In the the last movement on page 47, Boulez writes ” … pulverise the notes … “.

John Cage was a very influential composer – his use of chance and emphasis on sound led to the infamous piece 4′ 33″ ( 1952 ), where the performer sits at the piano and plays nothing for 4′ 33″ – encouraging the audience to listen the ambient sounds. ‘Dream’ for piano solo ( 1948 ) composed just prior to 4′ 33” shows his interest in the beginnings of a minimalist approach. He was in correspondence with Pierre Boulez for some years which showed unexpected common interests between the two composers.

Piano Distance for piano ( 1961 ) by Toru Takemitsu is a work about becoming – sounds in the piano emerging and resonating … the pedal technique is especially important in folding extending pitch and chordal structures  into one another as the piece gradually progresses …

We conclude the concert with John Cage’s In a Landscape for piano ( 1948 ). Again the resonances of the piano are accessed, as with Piano Distance through particular use of the pedals.

J.S. 2025.

( EAE would like to thank Ben, Rachel and all the staff at Hull Minster for making this concert possible. )

S Church Side, Hull HU1 1RR

Date: Saturday 18th October 2025

Time: 12.00am – 13:00 noon

Admission: Free

Admission: Free, but donation to the Minster would be very welcome.