 |
 |
 |
|
Transcendentalism, Impressionistic Music, and Compositions Inspired by Henry Thoreau. This music was influenced by Andrew Celentano's walks in the woods and the re-reading of some of Thoreau's writings, including Walden and "Walking." Features seven songs. Largely piano music.
Andrew Celentano, 2012. Proceeds donated to The Thoreau Society.
- When Michael Frederick, Executive Director of the Thoreau Society, asked me a year ago if I would perform at the 2012 Annual Gathering in Concord, Massachusetts I was both honored and humbled by the opportunity. I spent the next 6 months writing compositions that I felt were Thoreauvian in nature. This is not to say that Thoreau might personally like them, as that we will never know for sure. But they have musical elements within them that are nature-like. By that I mean there are figures that contain a rapid series of notes that vary in speed, similar to bird calls. This music was influenced by walks in the woods and re-reading some of the writings of Thoreau, including “Walden” and “Walking”.
- My playing has always been far from metronomic and I gravitate to works by Debussy that have an ethereal quality to them. I would like to think that Thoreau would also like a fluid meter. This may not be true, however, as one of his favorite songs I’m told is “Tom Bowling” by Charles Dibdin, which is very much like a hymn with a steady beat throughout. But I’m hopeful that the organic nature of my writing might still appeal to him. As one might expect, because of this organic musical quality, the notes do not lend themselves easily to musical notation; but in spite of that, I am pleased to say that with Doug Hammer’s help, we did create sheet music for those that might be interested that is quite readable.
- In the one hour concert I also play works by Liszt, Chopin, Debussy and Ravel. The latter two were born after Thoreau’s passing, but they are relevant in the context of the Impressionist movement that I believe share common roots with Transcendentalism. I hope you enjoy this CD. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Thoreau Society.
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|