Christian Dimpker
N. 03 Zu vier Händen
Duration: 11'
Solos:
piano for 4 hands
N. 03 Zu vier Händen
Translation, reprints and more
Christian Dimpker
N. 03 Zu vier HändenOrchestration: Für Klavier und Assistenz
Type: Noten
Sample pages
Video
Work introduction
Zu vier Händen – Interventionen für Konzertflügel is a piece that is rich in timbral and noise sonorities. It consists of numerous extended techniques produced by two players playing a grand piano – inside the piano with the hands, and by utilising different items, as well as at the keyboard. The sonic quality of the piece is shaped by a closely coordinated interaction between the players (at the keyboard and inside the piano). Many sounds are produced by the two instrumentalists through synchronised teamwork. In order to do so, the players are placed on opposite sides of the grand piano. By playing in this way, tones and noises are created one single player could not produce. Further explanation can be found in the Databank New Music (in German, see link below). The piece was revised once the development of a notation system for unconventional extended playing techniques had been finished. The revision was extensive, but was mainly concerned with the methods of notation, not the content of the piece.
What is necessary to perform this work?
The pianist (K.) sits as usual at the keys whilst the audience is on her right side. The assistant’s (A.) role may be performed by any instrumentalist. This player is located at the rear of the open piano and executes actions inside the instrument. Two positions are defined for this purpose. On position 1, the strings »G3« to »C#6« need to be accessible and on position 2 the bass strings »A0« to »C#2«. The utilised piano model needs to have at least the described range of bass strings whilst no additional brace is, at best, located over these. Moreover, no crossbeam may divide the strings »G3« to »Eb4« and the strings from »E4« on should not be covered by bass strings. Hence the piece may be performed on most of the common piano models, including the Bechstein B212, D 282, L167 and M/P 192 (but, for instance, not on model C 234), the Bösendorfer 170 and 200 (but, for instance, not on model 225), the Boston GP-156 PE, GP-163, GP-163 PE and GP-178 PE, the Steinway C-227, D-274, O-180 and S-155 as well as the Yamaha C3. Additionally, it can presumably also be performed on most of the Fazioli, Kawai and the unmentioned Yamaha grand pianos (e. g. except for model CFIIIS). However, in these cases, not enough data was available in order to finally assess the usability.