Composer

:

John Adams

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

2017

Average_duration

:

05:22

"I Still Play" is a piano piece composed by John Adams in 2020. It was premiered on April 19, 2020, by pianist Jeremy Denk in a live-streamed concert from his home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece consists of a single movement and has a duration of approximately four minutes. The piece is characterized by its simplicity and introspective nature. It is written in a slow tempo and features a simple, repetitive melody that is gradually developed throughout the piece. The harmonies are mostly tonal, with occasional dissonances that add a sense of tension and release. The title of the piece, "I Still Play," is a reference to the fact that even in difficult times, music can provide comfort and solace. Adams wrote the piece during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a profound impact on the world and forced many people to stay at home and isolate themselves from others. The piece reflects the feelings of isolation and introspection that many people experienced during this time. The piece begins with a simple melody played in the right hand, accompanied by a repeating pattern in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, and the left-hand pattern becomes more complex. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more elaborate and the harmonies becoming more dissonant. The piece then reaches a climax before gradually winding down to a quiet conclusion. Overall, "I Still Play" is a beautiful and poignant piece that reflects the emotions of the time in which it was written. Its simplicity and introspective nature make it a perfect piece for solo piano, and it is sure to resonate with audiences for years to come.

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