Composer

:

Judith Weir

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

9:53

The Art of Touching the Keyboard is a contemporary piano work composed by Judith Weir, a British composer born in 1954. The piece was composed in 2004 and premiered on October 22, 2004, at the Wigmore Hall in London, performed by the pianist Joanna MacGregor. The Art of Touching the Keyboard is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The piece is characterized by its exploration of the different ways in which a pianist can touch the keyboard, creating a wide range of sounds and textures. Weir's use of extended techniques, such as plucking the strings inside the piano and playing with the palm of the hand, adds to the unique sound world of the piece. The work is divided into several sections, each exploring a different aspect of touch. The opening section features delicate, sparse notes that gradually build in intensity and volume. The middle section is more rhythmic and percussive, with the pianist using the palm of the hand to create a percussive effect. The final section returns to the delicate, sparse notes of the opening, bringing the piece to a quiet and contemplative close. Overall, The Art of Touching the Keyboard is a challenging and rewarding work for pianists, requiring a high level of technical skill and sensitivity to touch. Weir's use of extended techniques and exploration of the different ways in which a pianist can touch the keyboard make this piece a unique and exciting addition to the contemporary piano repertoire.

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