Piano Music of Ricky Ian Gordon (John Nauman)

This CD presents world-premiere recordings of complete-to-date collection of piano music by Ricky Ian Gordon, and brings to light a lesser-known facet of one America’s most beloved composer of opera and song. Mr. Gordon’s piano writing combines his innate feel for vocal melodic lines, complex orchestral textures with an intimate knowledge of the instrument, creating a diverse repertoire that is highly appealing to the listener while being demanding on the performer. John Nauman, critically-acclaimed award-winning pianist, excels at meeting these challenges and demands, bringing his very personal and poetic rendering of these works. This CD was produced by Sergei Kvitko and recorded at Blue Griffin’s Studio The Ballroom with the loving guidance of the composer.

Five Dances

1.            Tango         
2.            Waltz   
3.            Bear Dance   
4.            Barcarolle     
5.            Joy        

6.            Desire Rag         

The Caste System
7.            I. Rhythmic     
8.            II. Very Slow and Hesitant      
9.            III. Mechanically        

10.          They Dance (from Orpheus and Euridice)      

11.          Ring-A-Ding-Ding for Piano Four Hands (with Sergei Kvitko)