Event

Danny Holt and the Evolution of the Sonatina

Danny Holt's program traces the history of the sonatina from the 18th through the 21st centuries, highlighting an eclectic array of composers many of whom are unknown to even the most ardent classical music fans. Shining a spotlight on lesser-known composers is one of Holt's passions, and this program does exactly that, using the genre of the sonatina as a jumping off point. Most students of classical piano will have memories of studying sonatinas by Clementi and Kuhlau: these works have found an important place in piano pedagogy more than 200 years since they were composed. But one seldom hears these works on the concert stage. Holt's program begins in the Classical era, with short selections by Clementi and Diabelli. Moving into the Romantic style, sonatinas by Heller, Kirchner, and Reger show how composers in the 19th century expanded the conception of what a sonatina could be. Works by Bartók, Karg-Elert, and Saygun give a glimpse of the dramatic contrasts of classical music in the 20th century. And Kapustin's jazzy one-movement sonatina ushers in the 21st century, showing that the sonatina is still alive and well!

Called phenomenal by the late music critic Alan Rich, and hailed as one of the local heroes of the Los Angeles music scene (LAcitybeat.com), pianist Danny Holt performs around the globe in concert halls (Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl), clubs (Joes Pub, The Blue Whale, Copenhagen Jazzhouse) art galleries (MASS MoCA, Hammer Museum), churches, living rooms, and wherever else he can find a piano and someone to listen. His recorded catalog includes the recent solo album Piano Music of Mike Garson and other solo, chamber, and orchestral releases on the Innova Recordings label, pfMENTUM, New World Records, Deutsche Grammophon, and Lst records.

http://www.dannyholt.net