Ramon Santos - "Klintang" - Enzo (Gong-Chime Culture of Southeast Asia)

[emill]

The piano piece "Klintang" as composed by ethnomusicologist, Dr. Ramon Santos got its inspiration from the kulintang which is a row of 5 to 9 graduated pot gongs, horizontally laid upon a frame with the lowest pitched gong found to the player's left. The kulintang is traditionally played by our kindred Islam brothers of Southern Philippines, especially the Maranao and Maguindanao peoples. It is part of the larger gong-chime culture of Southeast Asia, especially of Indonesia and Malaysia.

An afficionado describes the composition as seeming to create a multitude of colors as if one is in front of a musical or magical kaleidoscope. Some works by Bartok or Messiaen can give more or less the same impression, in a more occidental mood.

My son Lorenzo, 14 played this last November 15, 2009, in a Steinway grand at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The audio clip was provided by the CCP.  We have yet to post the video in YouTube.

Any comments or suggestions would be most welcome.  

[furtwaengler]

Cool picture.

This is tremendously entertaining and I am glad to hear this spunky, creative piece by Ramon Santos. Enzo plays with much energy and flair (really it'd be even appropriately spelled "flare!") and displays also a variety of touch and colors, bringing this piece to life. I hope many people listen.

If Enzo is interested in performing modern music, and music of living composers, I think he'll never starve in his pursuit as a musician.

It actually would have been nice to hear the applause!

[rachfan]

Bravo!

I've listened to this performance of "Klintang" twice (it's first time I've ever heard it).  Enzo plays this colorful piece in a brilliant and vibrant way with fine control of dynamics too.  I imagine it's not an easy score to read and it sounds quite difficult to play too.  Enzo displays an excellent technical facility in this performance along with fine musicality.  I believe he shows high potential as a musician.  Excellent!    

[pianowolfi]

A very inspired and inspiring, firy performance!
Really meritorious of Dr. Ramon Santos to have made this fascinating style of music accessible to pianists!

[ted]

An interesting piece, well played, with particularly skillful use of the pedal. My first impression was that I was hearing an improvisation by quantum, and I mean that as a compliment to both composer and interpreter. I hear a strong element of spontaneity coming through here, which is a very valuable quality for an interpreter to possess. I hope Lorenzo begins improvising if he has not already commenced the habit.

[crazy for ivan moravec]

I like this rendition better (still Enzo):