Search - Various, Kate Halsall :: Miniaturised Concertos & Maché

This album is the culmination of a project begun by pianist Kate Halsall to explore ways of transforming the traditional piano concerto; works were developed centered around two pianos with varied chamber and electro-acoustical accompaniment, some of which are genuinely fusion works incorporating jazz and rock instruments. Extended techniques, pitched silences and film also play a part. The album concept includes an audiovisual work not on the CD but available to stream, or to buy for a small extra cost. The second disc is more experimental and consists of four Maché pieces, made up of building blocks contributed by a number of composers, some specially written and some being extracts or arrangements of full length works. They include improvised and notated material, spoken word and many technical effects, producing a fascinating set of sound collages based around the two-piano core. The album involves many composers and performers from the exciting new-music scene in England all of whom are developing reputations for excellence and innovation.