John Cage’s Sonatas & Interludes performed by Juris Žvikovs

Contemporary Music Lab presents Sonatas and Interludes by John Cage performed by the Latvian pianist Juris Žvikovs. The concert will take place on the 7th of April 2022 at MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki.

John Cage’s cycle Sonatas and Interludes for prepared piano is one of the wonders of 20th century piano music. Justifiably considered as one of the best creations of the composer, the cycle is an icon in the realm of repertoire for prepared piano. The inner structural complexity along with the outer audible accessibility makes this cycle a special jewel among the vast piano repertoire of this kind.

Thursday April 7 2022 | 18:30
MOMus-Museum of Contemporary Art
Egnatia Av. 154, HELEXPO-TIF premises Thessaloniki
FREE ENTRANCE | COVID FREE

Sonatas and Interludes were composed in 1948. The piece is comprised of sixteen sonatas and four more freely structured interludes. Cage specifically stated that “the use of preparations is not a criticism of the instrument, but a simple practical measure”. The preparation transforms and extends the piano sound pallet, showcasing a nearly limitless collection of strange clangs, buzzes, and bell-like tones. The preparation involves placing a large number of mutes made of various materials — screws, pieces of rubber and plastic, furniture bolts, erasers — directly between the strings of the piano. Despite the extremely detailed instructions for the placement of the objects in the piano, any preparation is bound to be different from any other making every performance a unique timbral experience.
Entry tο the museum requires the presentation of a valid certificate of vaccination or recovery.  The certificate (printed or digital) along with an ID card, passport, or driving license will be checked on entry.