Montmartre House Concert Piano Symphony Transcription

FR: Nous vous invitons à une soirée musicale exceptionnelle, avec notamment la première française de la 5e Symphonie de William Grant Still, transcrite pour piano solo. Nous aurons le plaisir d'accueillir Jerimiah Otto, pianiste et claveciniste originaire du Colorado (États-Unis). Ce sera une magnifique soirée en compagnie d'un musicien talentueux et d'un agréable groupe. N'hésitez pas à apporter vos boissons et en-cas. Nous vous attendons nombreux !

EN: Please join us for an evening of music including the French premiere of William Grant Still’s 5th Symphony transcribed for piano solo. We are being joined by Jerimiah Otto, a pianist and harpsichordist from Colorado, USA. It will be a beautiful night with wonderful music and great company. Feel free to bring your snacks and drinks. Please join us!

PROGRAM William Grant Still Symphony no. 5
I. The vigorous, life-sustaining forces of the Hemisphere. Briskly.
II. The natural beauties of the Hemisphere. Slowly and with utmost grace.
III. The nervous energy of the Hemisphere. Energetically.
IV. The overshadowing spirit of kindness and justice in the Hemisphere.

William Grant Still was one of the most talented students of French composer Edgard Varése. He composed more than 200 orchestral works but remains in obscurity to most concert goers.
The idea to transcribe chamber or symphonic music for solo piano is an old one. Franz Liszt did just that when he first performed his transcriptions of Schubert songs for the Viennese public. They were a hit! Throughout his life he also transcribed all of the symphonies of Beethoven for solo piano.
Not only is this a way to introduce fresh music to audiences without having a full symphony orchestra on hand. Transcribing also has the outcome of producing extremely beautiful and difficult piano music. I am so grateful to our wonderful hosts Katia and Anaïs for allowing me to share this breathtaking music with a new audience here in France.