Michael Shapiro
American Interludes for piano
Duration: 10'
Solos:
piano
American Interludes for piano
Sample pages
Audio preview
Video
Work introduction
American Interludes, dedicated to the great pianist Lara Downes, is a collection of three pieces written during the Pandemic and meant to soothe the listener and relieve stress.
The first movement is entitled CALMING and is exactly that. In any time of stress, this music is intended to present calm and peace.
The second movement called TENDING is about finding internal peace by helping others. We tend to the pain or suffering of others by gently relieving the afflicted by tender strokes and acts of loving kindness.
The last movement is called IN EVERY ONE and separates the word "everyone" into two. This represents the Quaker notion that in every person, indeed in every one, there is an eternal spark. It is the composer's hope that listening to this work releases that light that is hidden in many and in each of us may shine forth.