Why Circle of Fifths? It celebrates five musicians (Marguerita Oundjian Smith, Eric Ewazen, Larry Alan Smith, Samuel Zyman, and Mirian Conti) who shared many experiences with composer and pedagogue Michael White at The Juilliard School. This album pays tribute to Michael who was a friend and colleague to each of us.
Pianist Mirian Conti writes . . .
“When Michael passed away in 2022, I decided to continue recording some of the works he composed for me that we never got around to recording. A first volume had been recorded and released on Albany Records in 2010.
Michael White was one of my teachers and mentors at The Juilliard School, where Eric and Samuel continue to serve on the faculty. While Larry eventually left to assume leadership positions, all three of these composers have had distinguished careers. Marguerita, who studied at Juilliard during those years, is my duet partner for Michael’s four-hand works.
Finally, the CD’s title, Circle of Fifths, refers to Michael’s obsession with teaching the circle of fifths in his classes.”
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Mirian Conti, Piano
Eric Ewazen (born 1954)
A Suite from the Cloud Forest
Larry Alan Smith (born 1955)
Suite for Piano (2024) – Written for Mirian Conti – In Memory of Michael White
Michael White (1931-2022)
Wintergreen Variations
Five Miniatures
The NaniZu Stories – Performed with Pianist Marguerita Oundjian Smith
Samuel Zyman (born 1956)
Four Preludes (2019)
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