Amores (2/2) - John Cage [ Ensemble 64.8 ]

Amores (1943)
-John Cage
This video features the last two movements of John Cage's 'Amores'. The performance is by members of Ensemble 64.8 and guest artist, Ilia Radoslavov, on the prepared piano. It took place on November 21st, 2009, in the Davis Concert Hall at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.
Performers left to right:
Ilia Radoslavov, pianist
Trevor Saint
Caitlyn Hatcher
Chris Reichmeier
"In four movements, 'Amores' consists of two movements for percussion trio surrounded by two movements for solo prepared piano. Working as an accompanist for dance companies, John Cage was limited to space; therefore a single piano. To create percussive sounds for the dancers, Cage pioneered the use of the prepared piano. In 'Amores', the piano is prepared by fitting screws, bolts, nuts, and strips of rubber between the piano strings, creating an idiosyncratic voice unknown to the time-honored classical piano. The solo piano music of 'Amores', through the use of preparations, creates both eroticism and tranquility. The second movement, for three players on nine tom-toms and a pod rattle, uses rhythmic structures to create flux between the individual players, while the third movement, for seven blocks of wood, uses rhythmic patterns to create an amalgamate of the three players into a single voice."
-Program notes by Trevor Saint

[@PSearPianist]

This and the preceding video are really excellent. I particularly admire the lyrical prepared piano playing. What a genius Cage was!