Korapiano (2020-2021)

3 West African Studies for Solo piano

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composed December 2020-January 2021

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10 minutes

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Premiere: Alex McDonald, piano - July 25, 2021

 

This composition is based on the composer's deep study of West African kora music. The Kora is an African harp with 21 strings. The sound is a like a mix between a lute and a harp. The instrument is usually tuned to F major, but this composition is based around the key of D flat, where the piano is most resonant.

 

This composition utilizes West African folk tunes and incorporates melodic elements and ornamentation usually found in traditional kora playing.