DECATUR PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS GINGHER-WANG PIANO DUO

     On Thursday, July 11, at 6:30pm, Decatur Public Library will host the Gingher-Wang piano duo to perform “19th Century Dueling Duets: Alliance or Rivalry?”. This program is free and open to the public. Pei-I Wang and Samuel Gingher form the Ginger–Wang Piano Duo. They which specialize b in the rediscovery and performance of unknown piano duets by Austrian composer Carl Czerny (1791-1857). The duo has released recordings on Naxos Records, to international acclaim. Through entertaining lecture recitals and performances in intimate spaces, the duo aims to bring community together through the power of music.

     The lecture recital highlights the significance of four unknown piano duet works by Carl Czerny, who played an important role in piano history, as a student of Beethoven and teacher of Liszt. Czerny is well-known for composing thousands of etudes and exercises for students. Interestingly, his didactic works only account for 10% of his output as a composer. With 861 opus numbers, he is one of the most prolific composers in Western music history, yet most of his compositions remain undiscovered and have never been recorded. Through performance and discussion, the audience will hear world-premiere performances of unknown duet pieces. In an exploration of piano genres of the early 19th century we will draw fascinating comparisons to works by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. We will discuss compositional styles and teamwork in piano duet playing.

     This program is partially supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Illinois Arts Council, and the Decatur Area Arts Council.

     The event is for all ages. Registration is not required.

     For additional information, visit Decatur Public Library website at www.decaturlibrary.org.