Curated by composer Julie Harting, this evening is the first concert in a two-concert mini-series of microtonal music that explores the question: What is microtonal music? A simple definition is music that uses pitches outside the 12 equal-note division of the octave found on the piano. Or, as Charles Ives said, music that uses “the notes between the cracks” of the piano. Today, the many varieties of microtonal music include quartertones, natural harmonics, just intonation, electroacoustic music, pitch-bending and spectral music. This two-concert series surveys this vast range of contemporary microtonal music.
In tonight’s concert, Christine Perea and Matt Marks perform the music of György Ligeti, Giacinto Scelsi, Julie Harting, George Brunner, Ned McGowan and Matt Marks. Brunner will be on hand to “perform” at the computer for his interactive piece for flute and computer entitled The Last Flash of Light Before the Beginning . Soprano Mellisa Hughes and members of Alarm Will Sound and the Jack Quartet will join Marks in a performance of Scelsi’s rarely heard Khoom .
Christine Perea (flutes) specializes in New Music, particularly electro-acoustic, avant-garde repertoire and free improvisation. In a recent review in the New Music Connoisseur, John de Clef Piñeiro described her performance as “sensitively executed” and “beautifully performed.” She performs extensively in the New York area presenting contemporary repertoire at Merkin Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie, Alice Tully Hall, the Knitting Factory, the Flux Factory, Tonic and Galapagos.
Matt Marks (horn/composer) has been a significant presence in the New York City contemporary and experimental music scene since his debut in 2002 performing the New York premiere of Ligeti’s Hamburg Concerto for solo horn at Miller Theater. Last season Marks made his solo horn debut at Carnegie Hall performing Stefan Freund’s Paper Trail. As a composer Matt has performed original music at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and clubs throughout New York City.
Julie Harting (composer), DMA Columbia University, has been composing music since the early 1980s. Her body of compositions is diverse, demonstrating ample skill and talent in a comprehensive array of musical forms that include orchestral pieces, string quartets, songs, solo pieces and various chamber ensemble pieces. She has curated concerts at Cornelia Street Café, Poet’s House, South Oxford Space and other venues. Her works have been performed throughout New York City.
