Greta
This is Michael Kieran Harvey's fifth piano sonata, heard here in both a conventional piano version, as well as an electric keyboard interpretation. It is sub-titled 'Greta' in recognition of climate change activist Greta Thunberg. It is sub-sub-titled 'Concerto in no need of an orchestra'.
One of the most extraordinary developments in recent years has been the emergence of a young spokesperson for the coming generations, those who will have to deal with the climate catastrophe caused by humans. Her name is Greta Thunberg and her story is well-known.
Michael Kieran Harvey: "This sonata is an atonement from my generation to Greta's, hence the dedication to my two children, and is formed through a sequence of hermeneutic windows based on the letters of her first name. It was written and realised during the 2020 pandemic. The rhetorical nature of the piece suggests a concerto, but in this case the soloist is truly alone, courageously presenting their arguments in the face of indifference, ridicule and hatred. The work is in five sections. The possibility of using an electric keyboard, hopefully deriving power from a renewable source, frees the Sonata/Concerto from the domain of the concert grand piano with its connotations of upper class luxury and collusion with conservatism. This versatility gives the work a further connection to the protean vision of its namesake."
The accompanying poem REGRET is by Arjun von Caemmerer. It selectively catalogues/arranges a small sample of precarious Australian flora and fauna, including some species now lost altogether, and some whose grip on survival appears increasingly tenuous in the face of accelerating climate change.
Hear 'Greta' in both versions, with Arjun von Cammerer's poem 'Regret' as the visual element:
Greta
Artist
Michael Kieran Harvey
Australian pianist and composer, Dr Michael Kieran Harvey FAHA, is one of the foremost interpreters of contemporary piano music of his generation. A champion of Australian music and himself a composer, he regularly commissions new Australian music and has performed with Australia's leading contemporary music ensembles and orchestras.
Press quotes
“The new piano sonata is in five movements and the entire work has been recorded twice – once using piano and once on electronic keyboards. I prefer the piano version but it’s quite fascinating to explore the differences between the two. The music is uncompromising, but Harvey’s piano playing is absolutely extraordinary in its virtuosity.”
— James Nightingale, 2MBS Fine Music
“Harvey is also consistently vocal on environmental issues; his 2017 collaboration with violinist Emily Sheppard was a tribute to Bob Brown, who Harvey described as “a lifelong courageous warrior”. Harvey’s latest recording pays homage to another fearless environmental warrior, Swedish teenage activist Greta Thunberg. ... third movement ‘E’ is a highlight, with textural trills and ominous low register quakes translating particularly well to its corresponding electric harpsichord setting and eliciting sparkling resonances.”
— Lisa MacKinney , Limelight
“Michael Kieran Harvey uses all his attributes of heart, mind and hands in the composition and execution of this astonishing piece of music. Harvey has replicated each of the movements on an electronic instrument, because he feels there is an association of piano with the upper class and conservatism. To be honest, with Harvey’s music, that association would require an extreme leap of faith. However, the opportunity for interpretation on different instruments from the original, changes everything that one hears. Harvey draws upon differing timbres of the electronic instruments he uses, even, as with the last movement, using multiple contrasting tone colours. Equally, the differentiation of stereo sound, with distinctive bass in one channel and treble in the other, draws one’s attention to different facets in such a way that the individual layers, counter-rhythms and melodic lines prominent in the original, are entirely altered with their electronic interpretation. The second movement is particularly transformed in meaning with the use of a Fender Rhodes, a forgiving sound that cushions the prevailing mood of this movement. The harpsichord interpretation of the ‘E’ movement is also fascinating, separating so distinctively, as with the first movement, bass sounds from treble.”
Read full review— Mandy Stefanakis, Music Trust e-zine Loud Mouth
“(Michael Kieran Harvey) writes virtuosic music that he then despatches with aplomb. Much of this music from Harvey is highly energetic and sometimes borders on being manic but maybe considering the topic of climate change and its massive problems it is most appropriate. In many ways it is like an extended improvisation. The work appears in two versions so we hear 31 minutes performed on a concert grand piano and then again on various electric keyboards. Different listeners might prefer one over the other whilst I simply enjoyed the variety that the diverse instruments offered.”
Read full review— Alan Holley, classikon
Audio previews
Track Listing
- 100 bpm [piano]
- misterioso [piano]
- retorico [piano]
- ritmico [piano]
- Maestoso stoico, con rubato [piano]
- 100 bpm [electric organ]
- misterioso [fender rhodes]
- retorico [electric harpsichord]
- ritmico [electric bass]
- Maestoso stoico, con rubato [electric piano]
Greta: Sonata #5 Michael Kieran Harvey
Performers
- Michael Kieran Harvey · keyboards
Contributors
Concrete Poetry
Arjun von Caemmerer
Dr Arjun von Caemmerer is a Hobart-based general medical practitioner, Iyengar Yoga teacher/practitioner and writer. In 1995 (with Naomi Cameron) he established The Hobart School of Iyengar Yoga.
Where to buy
Greta is available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
It's available for streaming through
Spotify and
Apple Music.
Greta is available as as CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer secure online ordering.
Move CDs can be ordered through music retailers across Australia including Readings.
