4pm: Here and Now Labor Day Festival: Ruben Kodehli and Sylvie Courvoisier
August 30 at 4:00 pm
Water, Air, Fire, and Earth
At the Here and Now Festival at Bargemusic in New York, audiences will be treated to a unique concert for cello and piano that explores the classical elements—Water, Air, Fire, and Earth—through four compelling premieres. Renowned cellist Rubin Kodheli and acclaimed pianist Sylvie Courvoisier will bring these elements to life in a program that seamlessly blends innovative arrangements of classical masterpieces with original compositions.
Air: This element will be represented by a fresh arrangement of Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations.” Elgar’s work, known for its rich emotional depth and intricate orchestration, will be reimagined for cello and piano, highlighting the ethereal qualities of the music that evoke the essence of air.
Earth: Igor Stravinsky’s “Dance of the Earth,” from his groundbreaking ballet “The Rite of Spring,” will serve as the inspiration for this element. This piece captures the primal rhythms and raw energy of the earth, and its adaptation for cello and piano promises to convey the visceral power and intensity of the original orchestration.
Water and Fire: These elements will be explored through original compositions by Rubin Kodheli and Sylvie Courvoisier. Drawing from their diverse musical backgrounds and collaborative synergy, they will craft new works that embody the fluidity of water and the fervent passion of fire, offering audiences a contemporary perspective on these timeless themes.
This concert not only showcases the versatility of the cello and piano but also reflects Bargemusic’s commitment to presenting contemporary American music alongside reimagined classics, offering audiences a rich and immersive musical journey.
with
Ruben Kodehli, cello
Silvie Courvoisier, piano