Rzewski, F.: The People United Will Never Be Defeated

Featuring

Ralph van Raat
Frederic Rzewski

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Compositional Technique

The extensive duration of the 36 variations in The People United Will Never Be Defeated! symbolizes the human struggle for change, with the composer adding indications like 'struggling' and 'like a cry'.

Composition History

Frederic Rzewski's The People United Will Never Be Defeated! was written in only two months on commission from American pianist Ursula Oppens.

Interpretation

For this recording, unusual sound effects were used during the improvised cadenza, such as striking and dampening the piano strings with fingers, to symbolize the ticking away of time.

Cultural Impact

The melody for The People United Will Never Be Defeated! originated from a street-singer in Chile and became an international symbol against dictatorship.

Compositional Technique

The People United Will Never Be Defeated! quotes other revolutionary songs, including Hanns Eisler's Solidaritätslied and the Italian revolutionary song Bandiera Rossa.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Frederic Rzewski believes in freedom of interpretation for the musician, with his score indications conveying the spirit of his works rather than limiting the performer.

Compositional Technique

Rzewski incorporates contemporary piano effects in The People United Will Never Be Defeated!, such as the explosive sound of a slammed piano lid and a twenty-second hammering on one key, symbolizing a gunshot and an alarm bell, respectively.