Pencils, Golf Balls, and a Unique Piano Performance
Earlier this week, Barbara Lieurance graced the Groton community with the ethereal tones of prepared piano playing—a style in which the performer places various objects (called preparations) on or between the strings or hammers of the piano to change its timbre. The concert was part of the Gammons Concert Series, which brings musical artists to the School throughout the year.
To introduce the audience to her less traditional brand of music, Ms. Lieurance began her concert with a standard piano piece, but even this took advantage of unusual chords and harsh dissonances. With each piece, her technique became more complicated, requiring the use of percussion mallets, pencils, and even a golf ball. By pulling these items across or tapping the strings inside the piano, she created distinct and unique sonorities.
Ms. Lieurance played Henry Cowell's "Aeolian Harp" and a piano sonata by Sofia Gubaidulina. Her final piece, "Rhapsodies," was written just for bowed piano by contemporary composer Curtis Curtis-Smith. In this style of prepared piano playing, the performer uses flexible wires strewn between the piano strings to draw otherwise impossible harmonics from the piano. Using these specialized bows, the performer can create sounds ranging from violin tones to eerie pitches that might even seem electronic.
Ms. Lieurance’s playing was certainly unusual, and it was refreshing to experience a new style of musicianship. The community—including several members of the public, who are welcome at Gammons concerts—appreciated the inspiration provided by this display of innovation and creativity.—Johnathan Terry '13
Ms. Lieurance played Henry Cowell's "Aeolian Harp" and a piano sonata by Sofia Gubaidulina. Her final piece, "Rhapsodies," was written just for bowed piano by contemporary composer Curtis Curtis-Smith. In this style of prepared piano playing, the performer uses flexible wires strewn between the piano strings to draw otherwise impossible harmonics from the piano. Using these specialized bows, the performer can create sounds ranging from violin tones to eerie pitches that might even seem electronic.
Ms. Lieurance’s playing was certainly unusual, and it was refreshing to experience a new style of musicianship. The community—including several members of the public, who are welcome at Gammons concerts—appreciated the inspiration provided by this display of innovation and creativity.—Johnathan Terry '13
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