Transported out of time

​John Cage and Morton Feldman had a profound influence on the music of the twentieth century. Close friends and members of the New York School, they shared a fascination with new sounds and compositional techniques. Violinist Orest Smovzh and pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi illuminate their musical world.

The concert opens with Two6, one of Cage's last compositions, written in 1992. This contemplative and serene piece is a fascinating dialogue between music and silence. The Six Melodies from 1950 was written during Cage's period of experimentation with the prepared piano and his deep exploration of Eastern philosophy. The rarely performed Nocturne of 1947 reveals a surprisingly romantic and lyrical side of Cage. He was never closer to Chopin.

The second half of the programme is devoted to Feldman's For John Cage from 1982. A work of no less than 80 minutes, with whispering sounds that unfold slowly in time. The music progresses almost imperceptibly, like the changing light on a painting. With just a few notes, Feldman creates a universe of light and shadow. An unforgettable listening experience in which the listener is completely transported out of time.