Multus #2: Dance on Piano
concert and video installation (2014)
Tomoko Mukaiyama
photo: Sagami Yujiro
concept
Multus means ‘many’ or ‘more’ in Latin. Multus is the title of a concert series for multiple pianos and multiple pianists, integrating different art disciplines.
Multus #2: Dance on Piano is a theatrical concert with video. Tomoko presents together with Gerard Bouwhuis an intriguing program for two pianos surrounded by a forest of video screens. Tomoko created this installation using footage by Dutch filmmaker J.C. Moll. Starting in the ’20s he focused his work on time-lapse photography and recorded flourishing plants in his conservatory. The video installation shows black and white images of blossoming flowers and growing crystals, and was made in collaboration with the EYE filmmuseum.
In this setting Tomoko and Gerard play an arrangement of Le Sacre du Printemps, the groundbreaking work by Igor Stravinsky in which the ghosts of an untamed prehistoric Russia are evoked. They also perform two more restrained pieces, Experiences no. 1 by John Cage and Socrate, drame symphonique en 3 parties by Erik Satie in an arrangement for two pianos by John Cage. The various rhythms of film and music draw the audience in and sometimes accompany each other, and sometimes deliberately not.
PROGRAM
Igor Stravinsky Sacre du Printemps (1913)
Erik Satie Socrate, drame symphonique en 3 parties, arrangé pour 2 pianos par John Cage (1919/1944)
John Cage Experiences no. 1, for two pianos (1945)
credits
concept: Tomoko Mukaiyama
music: Igor Stranvinsky, François Bernhard Mâche, John Cage
piano: Tomoko Mukaiyama, Gerard Bouwhuis
installation: Tomoko Mukaiyama
technical support: Yoshida Yoshihiro
production: Tomoko Mukaiyama Foundation, Monten Hall
support
Performing Arts Fund NL
Japan Art Council,
Tokyo Council
Asahi Art Foundation
Edith Grove Co. Ltd.
EYE Filmmuseum The Netherlands