Piano Piece No. 5

Programme Notes

Unlike many of my compositions, this piece is not programmatic, which is reflected in its deliberately nondescript title. However, when I listen to it, I can hear traces of my own personality and musical preferences: motoric, percussive, unsettled, dramatic, and moody. The use of two pianos enhances these qualities, as the combined sound creates a “big” sonic presence. I wanted the piece to feel orchestral, yet still retain the one-dimensional quality of the piano’s timbre.

Over the course of my composing career, I’ve often assigned this simple, almost mundane title to various piano works. Looking back, it’s interesting and nostalgic to see how these pieces have evolved and how my compositional voice has developed over time. The piano has always been a central instrument in my work, and it’s exciting to share a piece like this—one that pushes the boundaries of both the virtuosity and expressiveness of two pianists, taking them to a whole new level of intensity.

– Frank Horvat