RESONANCES: Music from Japan

Pianists Tomoe Kawabata and Aura Go share an electric musical connection that speaks directly to audiences. Described as ‘positively ecstatic’, ‘masterful’ and ‘profoundly moving’, the pair delights in sharing the unique combination of intimacy and dynamism of the piano duo. Their innovative and thoughtful programming explores seldom-performed works and new music alongside much-loved staples of the repertoire. Their 2017 Melbourne Recital Centre series celebrates three favourite aspects of the genre in three distinct and compelling programs: unique resonances, evocative and colourful sonic landscapes, and infectious energy.

Resonances: Music from Japan is a rare opportunity to hear spellbinding works for one and two pianos by several of Japan’s foremost composers. This concert reveals the unique resonances created by blending two pianos into one sonic entity, while also tracing the lineage of Japan’s French school of composition, fathered by Tomojiro Ikenouchi and pushed into bold new directions by his students Akira Miyoshi, Akio Yashiro and Shin-ichiro Ikebe. Several of the works on the program were recorded for the first time by the Kawabata-Go Piano Duo on their CD, Five Rocks in a Japanese Garden, and receive their first Australian performance in this concert.

PROGRAM:

Tomojiro Ikenouchi
En Bis pour piano à 4 mains

Akio Yashiro
Sonata for piano

Akira Miyoshi
Phénomène sonore I pour deux pianos

Phénomène sonore II pour deux pianos

Henri Dutilleux
Figures de resonances, for two pianos

Shin-ichiro Ikebe
A couple of butterflies through…