Piano Album II

Note from the composer:I studied piano throughout my childhood with Gershon Konikow and Marcia Polis. I was always drawn to 20th century music, particularly Mompou, Satie and Bartók. In my own piano music, I have tried for directness, asymmetry, and above all transparency which allows for implied space and silence to underlie the composition. The music is seemingly simple, but the intricacy of detail and the combination of expressivity and restraint create a challenge for the performer; every gesture is exposed and clear. Since the heart of my work is composing music for the voice, melodic invention, variety of timbre and spontaneity within a rigorous from are aspects that I attempt to bring to my piano music.I would like to thank the pianists that have given me so much encouragement over the years.- Meredith Monk -