What’s Your Sign? The mystical world of George Crumb’s “Makrokosmos I”
Dr. Charles Abramovic, Professor and Chair of Keyboard Studies
Boyer College of Music and Dance
Recital credit for undergrad Boyer students will be offered at this event.
You must register below. Limited availability.
LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.
Composed in 1973 by George Crumb (b. 1929) Makrokosmas I is comprised of 12 movements for piano, based on signs of the Zodiac. You’ve likely never heard the piano performed or used in this way – with wire brushes, paper clips and plucking. The printed music is at times shaped like a circle, spiral or peace sign. Dr. Charles Abramovic will deconstruct Crumb’s work and perform selected movements along with some of his students.
George Crumb, who makes his home in Pennsylvania is one of the most frequently performed composers in today's musical world. Crumb is the winner of Grammy and Pulitzer Prizes, and continues to compose new scores that enrich the lives of all who come in contact with his profoundly humanistic art. Crumb's music often juxtaposes contrasting musical styles, ranging from music of the western art-music tradition, to hymns and folk music, to non-Western musics. Many of Crumb's works include programmatic, symbolic, mystical and theatrical elements, which are often reflected in his beautiful and meticulously notated scores.
Crumb retired from his teaching position at the University of Pennsylvania after more than 30 years of service. Honored by numerous institutions with honorary Doctorates, and the recipient of dozens of awards and prizes, Crumb makes his home in Pennsylvania, in the same house where he and his wife of 60 years have raised their three children.