SUFJAN STEVENS & TIMO ANDRES & CONOR HANICK - REFLECTIONS VINYL (LTD. ED. TURQUOISE)

LIMITED EDITION TURQUOISE VINYL

Release Date: 19th May 2023

"‘Reflections’ is a recording of Sufjan Stevens’ sixth collaboration with acclaimed ballet and dance choreographer Justin Peck. Originally composed for World Premiere and performances (May 17 - 26, 2019) by Houston Ballet, the piano duet was recorded at Oktaven Studios by Ryan Streber and performed by pianists Timo Andres and Conor Hanick. ‘Reflections’ is imbued with Stevens’ memorable and emotionally resonant melodies and arrangements and continues to establish Stevens as a contemporary composer. Single ‘Ekstasis’ is a lively and percussive movement that showcases the clever cross rhythms, counterpoint, and moving tonal centres that embody the whole of ‘Reflections’. This is Stevens’ second recorded release of his compositions for piano - following ‘The Decalogue’ in 2019 - and his first written for two pianos. There is a long tradition of composing for duo pianos - from John Adams’ ‘Hallelujah Junction’ to Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major - and Stevens was happy to further explore the form. “Although I've never taken a lesson,” he says, “the piano was my first true love. Having two of them at my disposal was an exciting opportunity and gave me a real catharsis about the expansiveness of the instrument.”"