A “vocalise” refers to a song without words. We often think of language as a tool to express our identity and emotions. But so much is also communicated nonverbally – in the timbre of our voice, in our body language, in our smiles, frowns, and everything in between. In this Vocalise, even though the piano cannot enunciate words, I wondered if it could still sing. When we take away language as our primary means of expression, how much meaning is lost, and how much is gained?
Many thanks to Zhu Wang and Young Concert Artists for commissioning this piece.
November 11th, 2021
Carnegie Hall Debut: Zhu Wang, piano
Performed by Zhu Wang, presented by Young Concert Artists
Carnegie Hall (Zankel Hall)
New York, NY
November 17th, 2021
Kennedy Center Debut: Zhu Wang, piano
Performed by Zhu Wang, presented by Young Concert Artists
Kennedy Center (Terrace Theater)
Washington, DC
November 30th, 2021
Princeton Sound Kitchen: New Works for Piano
Performed by Isabelle O’Connell
Taplin Auditorium (Princeton University), Princeton, NJ
October 1st, 2022
Faculty Concert: Thomas Sauer, piano
Performed by Thomas Sauer
Vassar College (Skinner Hall of Music), Arlington, NY
October 25th, 2022
Faculty Concert: Thomas Sauer, piano
Performed by Thomas Sauer
CUNY Graduate Center (Elebash Recital Hall), New York, NY
