Taken from the Dublin In international Piano Spectacular
All seven previous winners in a once-off performance.
PHILIPPE CASSARD (1988),
PAVEL NERSESSIAN (1991),
DAVIDE FRANCESCHETTI (1994),
MAX LEVINSON (1997),
ALEXEI NABIOULIN (2000),
ANTTI SIIRALA (2003)
ROMAIN DESCHARMES (2006)
and featuring
JOHN O'CONOR (Artistic Director)
This piece: DARIUS MILHAUD (1892-1974) Scaramouche -- Suite for Two Pianos
Performed by :DAVIDE & JOHN
About this piece:
Born in Aix-en-Provence, Milhaud studied at the Paris Conservatory under such important composers as d'Indy and
Dukas. Among his early works was an opera to a text by poet and dramatist, Paul Claudel. Then in 1916 Claudel who
had a distinguished career in the French diplomatic service, became Ambassador in Brazil and took Milhaud there as his
secretary. The composer spent two years in the country, soaking up all the colour and individuality of South American
music. In the 1920s Milhaud became one of "Les Six", a group of young, radical composers much affected by the
simplicity and wit of the music of Erik Satie and his mission to create "everyday music for everyday people", stripped of
any grandiose pretension. Milhaud's tuneful scores fit well into this mission.
"Scaramouche" was written for the team of Ida Jankelevitch and Marcelle Meyer and had its première at the World's
Exposition in Paris in 1937. Milhaud drew his material from incidental music he had written for a children's play "Le
Medecin Volant", based on Molière, and staged at the Theatre Scaramouche in Paris. He told his publisher not to bother
issuing the work as it was of little merit. Fortunately his orders were disregarded and the Suite became an immediate
world-wide hit on publication. There is a breezy music-hall feel about the lively opening movement which encompasses
a charming popular tune. A tender, three part love song follows and the Suite ends with the famous Brazilian dance in
Samba rhythm.
For more information on this and all things in relation to the Dublin International Piano Competition, please go to www.DIPC.ie
7 фев 2011
