for one or two pianos
This piano piece is composed of twelve sections, which could be played as specified in the score, or in an order of the performer’s choosing. The piece may also be performed by two performers, each playing separate sections simultaneously, as seen in this video featuring Mila Roushakes and myself at the piano.
Katharos has six main themes spread out over twelve sections. Thus, one could view the piece as grouped into six pairs of sections– the first of each pair exposing the listener to the theme, and a corresponding section occurring later in the piece to further develop the motive. When performed with four hands, themes weave together and sometimes create new musical gestures when two parts overlap. The result is a vast assortment of weird, abstract fragments, sometimes unresolved, sometimes overdone, and often combined to create a dreamlike state.
I originally named this piece “SAVE Room,” the place in New York City public schools where students serve in school suspension to “think about what they’ve done.”
The score of Katharos may be viewed here.
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