Yvar Mikhashoff
Portrait of Madame Butterfly
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Composer:Yvar MikhashoffGenre:KeyboardStyle:KeyboardCompose Date:1992Average_duration:13:08Portrait of Madame Butterfly is a solo piano composition by Yvar Mikhashoff, an American pianist and composer. The piece was composed in 1986 and premiered on October 17, 1986, at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. The composition is divided into five movements, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of the famous opera Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. The first movement, titled "Butterfly's Entrance," is a dramatic and virtuosic introduction that sets the stage for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Pinkerton's Soliloquy," is a contemplative and melancholic reflection on the character of Pinkerton, the American naval officer who marries Butterfly but ultimately abandons her. The third movement, "The Humming Chorus," is a delicate and ethereal interpretation of one of the most famous pieces from the opera, which is traditionally performed during a scene in which Butterfly and her maid are waiting for Pinkerton to return. The fourth movement, "Butterfly's Lament," is a mournful and expressive piece that captures the heartbreak and despair of the opera's tragic heroine. The final movement, "Butterfly's Death," is a powerful and intense conclusion that brings the piece to a dramatic close. One of the most notable characteristics of Portrait of Madame Butterfly is Mikhashoff's use of extended techniques and unconventional piano playing methods. Throughout the piece, he employs techniques such as plucking the strings inside the piano, playing with the lid closed, and using various objects to alter the sound of the instrument. These techniques add a unique and experimental quality to the composition, while also allowing Mikhashoff to create a wide range of textures and timbres. Overall, Portrait of Madame Butterfly is a complex and emotionally charged work that pays tribute to one of the most beloved operas of all time. Mikhashoff's innovative approach to piano playing and his deep understanding of the source material make this piece a compelling and unforgettable musical experience.More....
