Nico
Muhly,

1. Ostinati
2. Quiet Music
3. Running

In preparation for writing a large (uncompleted) work for piano, I decided to write three short pieces to get certain musical tics out of my system. Each of these three études addresses a specific rhythmic and harmonic gesture: the first, Ostinati, focuses on a gently lilting left hand contrasted with angular outbursts in the right hand, usually in octaves. The second étude, “Quiet Music,” concerns itself with drones and chant-like music, and the third, “Running,” explores slowly shifting harmonies pitted against very fast cross-hand playing. These three études were written from January “” March 2003 and were composed partially for performance in the VisionIntoArt / RockHotelPianoFest in New York City. These three études were written from January “” March 2003 and were composed partially for performance in the VisionIntoArt RockHotelPianoFest in New York City. Étude #3 (“Running”) These three études were written from January “” March 2003 and were composed partially for was premiered by Eric Huebner and is dedicated to him.

Quiet Music is recorded on Bedroom Community Hvalur 001 (Nico Muhly Speaks Volumes).