My new “Einsamkeit” concoction, setting songs by Mahler and Schubert, premieres June 17 (7:30 pm) and 18 (3 pm) at the KnJ Theater near Union Square.
I’m collaborating with the singular bass trombonist David Taylor (“Killer!” – NY Times), Igal Perry (a choreographer who really knows music), and Igal’s Peridance Contemporary Dance Company (which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary season).
The centerpiece is Taylor’s rendition of Schubert’s “Doppelganger” – a version harrowing and virtuosic in equal measure, known and feared by all bass trombonists.
The other songs we adapt are:
Mahler: Wenn mein Schatz Hochzeit macht
Schubert: Die Stadt
Schubert: Nebensonnen (which Taylor SINGS!)
Schubert: Der Leiermann (which Igal may dance)
David Taylor and I began playing Schubert songs together in my apartment decades ago. We had earlier played through the Beethoven cello sonatas (which David sight-read). One day I was struck with the realization that Taylor could do some real damage with late Schubert. “Doppelganger” felt especially lethal. He first performed it in Vienna at the Musikverein. It worked.
“Einsamkeit” begins with solo Bach, performed by cellist Nan-Cheng Chen, choreographed by Igal Perry.
Tickets here.
(David Taylor and I next perform “Einsamkeit” (sans dancers) at the Brevard Music Festival on July 6. Taylor performs my “Mahlerei” for bass trombone and chamber ensemble at Brevard on July 5.)
