The Vanishing Pavilions

[furtwaengler]

I wonder if anyone here has heard of the young American composer Michael Hersch?

He's written a  piano work 130 minutes long titled, "The Vanishing Pavilions," which is a collection of smaller pieces in a large framework of two books, all based on the poetry of Christopher Middleton. It’s like a modern day Winterreise without words. The composer’s recording on a label called Musical Concepts has me bowled over…It’s powerful, engaging, and tremendously expressive music, and it holds its length well (quite a piece to hear in one sitting!). Hersch shows himself to be an amazing pianist in this piece.

Has anyone heard of this music or the composer Michael Hersch?

[faulty_damper]

I've only listened to sound clips but it seemed interesting.  I do wonder if, after more exposure, the music will reveal itself in a manner that becomes superficial fluff.  Music written in this style tends to be shallow with no real musical interest.

But I do like the title, The Vanishing Pavilions.  Interesting titles make everything more palatable.

[Nightscape]

He's on the faculty at Peabody Conservatory.  When I auditioned there, he was one of the two faculty who interviewed me.  He seemed like a nice guy, and he was very interested in Russian poetry from the turn of the century.  I had no idea that he had written such a mammoth piano work, however.

[retrouvailles]

I have heard of Hersch, but nothing of his music. I will definitely check this out, and possibly buy it.