IDAGIO | Ludwig van Beethoven | Harrison Birtwistle: A Bag of Bagatelles 4010228681024

Featuring

Nicolas Hodges
Ludwig van Beethoven
Harrison Birtwistle

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Composition History

Harrison Birtwistle's 'Gigue Machine', dedicated to Nicolas Hodges, was commissioned by SWR Stuttgart, Carnegie Hall, and Cal Performances.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Harrison Birtwistle believes that Ludwig van Beethoven's music is brilliant because it 'never does what you think he's going to' and is 'always a surprise'.

Album & Artwork

The album title, 'A Bag of Bagatelles', was suggested by composer Harrison Birtwistle as an alternative name for his work 'Variations from the Golden Mountain'.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Harrison Birtwistle views his compositional process as a 'discovery of myself' and is not interested in explaining his pieces, as he doesn't fully understand them himself.

Composition History

Harrison Birtwistle's 'Variations from the Golden Mountain' was commissioned by Wigmore Hall with partial support from the Fondation Hoffmann.

Performer Biography

Nicolas Hodges is a leading figure in contemporary music, with many revered composers, including Thomas Adès and Elliott Carter, having composed works specifically for him.

Interpretation

Pianist Nicolas Hodges designed the pairing of Beethoven and Birtwistle on this album, inspired by what he perceives as a shared 'roughhewn strength' between the two composers.