Previous posts for April 13th may be found here: William Sterndale Bennett (2020) and Howard Keel (2019).
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Frederic Anthony Rzewski (b. 13 April 1938) is an American composer and pianist who often incorporates social and political themes in his works.
People Who Need People
In general, the variations are short, and build up to climaxes of considerable force. The 36 variations, following the 36 bars of the tune, are in six groups of six. The pianist, in addition to needing a virtuoso technique, is required to whistle, slam the piano lid, and catch the after-vibrations of a loud attack as harmonic -- Wikipedia
Take a stirring song from Chile,
Vary it for six times six,
Mix your genres willy-nilly,
Fill with virtuoso tricks,
And you have heroic pages
That have often been assessed
As piano writing for the ages,
Standing with the very best.
Frederic Rzewski’s “The People United”
Ranks among the greatest sets
Of variations to have excited
Pianists into fevered sweats.
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