John King: Time Curves for solo cello

John King: 13 Preluders for solo piano

John King: Threads of Bronze for cello and piano

(Jeffrey Zeigler, cello)

Composer John King, praised by The Paris Review as “extraordinary” for his intimate knowledge of Arabic music and improvisatory brilliance, will present three world premieres of works featuring cellist Jeffrey Zeigler and pianist Taka Kigawa.

“Time Curves for solo cello” (2017) is a composition in 3 continuous sections where the solo cellist elides blues-based material with massive and expansive extended techniques. This work explores time, tempo, timbral journeys and highly demanding skills perfectly suited for the acclaimed cellist, Jeffrey Zeigler.

Taka Kigawa will perform the premiere of King’s “13 Preludes for piano”, also written in 2017. Each piece is a delicate reflection on sound, nature, overlapping ephemeral textures and exquisite journeys of the imagination.

The final work, “Threads of Bronze”, is a duo for cello and piano. It has a forward-driving rhythmic energy and power, creating an alchemical mixture blending the two performers’ unique talents. There are swirling moments of improvisation which are quickly exchanged back and forth by each performer, ricocheting off one another in an ever-increasing dramatic arc.

For tickets and more information: 3/30/18 National Sawdust - John King premieres works for cello and piano featuring Jeffrey Zeigler and Taka Kigawa