Punta Gorda Symphony Archived Performance : Kenneth Fuchs | Piano Concerto "Spiritualist" 3/8/2020

Classical WSMR - Florida's Classical Music Station

The complete concerto lasts about 21 minutes and is composed in Fuchs' mature musical style, incorporating hallmarks of the American symphonic school, rigorous counterpoint, and aspects of minimalism. The first movement, Spiritualist, cast in modified sonata-allegro form, is optimistic and playful in spirit. The woodwinds introduce a jocular rhythmic motive emphasizing the intervals of the third and sixth. This performance features award-winning pianist Jeffrey Biegel. He is considered one of the great pianists of our time, and he has created a multi-faceted career as performer, recording artist, composer and arranger. “He is a splendid musician and a brilliant performer” Leonard Bernstein remarked in 1985, and helped to launch his New York recital debut; he has since been heard in recitals around the U.S. and around the world.