[Monthly Sportlight 5]
Mystery Variations on a Theme by Colombi (selections)
GIUSEPPE COLOMBI / TAN DUN / KAIJA SAARIAHO / KIMMO HAKOLA
MICHAEL KATZ, cello
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Interview with MICHAEL KATZ, cellist
[PROGRAM NOTE]
This video features selections from the Mystery Variations, a collection of 30 short works by 30 different composers, each inspired by a 17th century Chiacona by Giuseppe Colombi. The collection was written in 2010 to celebrate the 50th birthday of Finnish cellist Anssi Karttunen. At the time of writing, none of the composers were told who the other collaborators were, nor were they given any instructions on how they should approach the Chiacona, hence the Mystery. The result is an incredible variety of styles, techniques, and imaginations, and a true treasure for cellists.
I have chosen 3 variations which are profoundly different from each other. In the first variation, Chiacone After Colombi, Tan Dun transports us to the world of traditional Chinese music, imitating the sounds of Chinese instruments such as the Pipa, Chinese percussion, and even vocal gestures inspired by the Peking Opera. Next is Kaija Saariaho's Dreaming Chaconne. Like much of her music, this piece is less concerned with melody or rhythm, at least not in the way we are accustomed to, but rather with sonority, the manipulation of color, and tambour. She cleverly hides the Chaconne theme throughout the variation, and if you listen closely you can hear a distorted quote towards the end. Finally, to cap things off, Kimmo Hakola's Colombi Variation is pure insanity, a hyperactive relentless fantasy which pushes the boundaries of what is possible on the cello while still maintaining a humorous and entertaining approach. Thank you so much for watching and hope you enjoy the music.
- Michael Katz