Greta Piano Sonata #5 (2020): interpreted twice Michael Kieran Harvey

• 1 Greta: Sonata #5 - Piano Version (Piano) 30:51
• 2 Greta: Sonata #5 - Keyboards Version 30:59
• Total Runtime 01:01:50

Info for Greta Piano Sonata #5 (2020): interpreted twice

This is Michael Kieran Harvey's fifth piano sonata, heard here in both a conventional piano version, as well as an electric keyboard interpretation. It is sub-titled 'Greta' in recognition of climate change activist Greta Thunberg. It is sub-sub-titled 'Concerto in no need of an orchestra'.

One of the most extraordinary developments in recent years has been the emergence of a young spokesperson for the coming generations, those who will have to deal with the climate catastrophe caused by humans. Her name is Greta Thunberg and her story is well-known.

Michael Kieran Harvey: "This sonata is an atonement from my generation to Greta's, hence the dedication to my two children, and is formed through a sequence of hermeneutic windows based on the letters of her first name. It was written and realised during the 2020 pandemic. The rhetorical nature of the piece suggests a concerto, but in this case the soloist is truly alone, courageously presenting their arguments in the face of indifference, ridicule and hatred. The work is in five sections. The possibility of using an electric keyboard, hopefully deriving power from a renewable source, frees the Sonata/Concerto from the domain of the concert grand piano with its connotations of upper class luxury and collusion with conservatism. This versatility gives the work a further connection to the protean vision of its namesake."

The accompanying poem REGRET is by Arjun von Caemmerer. It selectively catalogues/arranges a small sample of precarious Australian flora and fauna, including some species now lost altogether, and some whose grip on survival appears increasingly tenuous in the face of accelerating climate change.

“As we've com to expect, Michael Kieran Harvey's performances of all these works are astounding ... Highly recommended” (Michael Hannan, MCA Music Forum)

“An unpredictable, exhilarating tribute to one of rock’s greatest instrumental pioneers. Like Zappa, pianist Michael Kieran Harvey is fearless and inventive. 48 Fugues For Frank is a unique tribute.” (Robbie Gerson, Audiophile Audition)

“Michael Kieran Harvey is one of Australia's great pianists.” (Limelight Magazine)

Michael Kieran Harvey, piano

Michael Kieran Harvey
was born in Sydney and studied piano with Alan Jenkins, Gordon Watson, and at the Liszt Academy, Budapest, under Sándor Falvai. His career has been notable for its diversity and wide repertoire. He has especially promoted the works of Australian and contemporary composers and recorded over 40 solo CDs on various labels. He has premiered many new Australian and international concertos with all Australian symphony orchestras.

Harvey's compositions have been performed in Europe, the UK, North and South America and Asia, in addition to major Australian festivals. He concentrates on non-standard formats, often humorously questioning classical music and embracing diverse influences.

His hour-long multi-keyboard homage to Zappa 48 Fugues For Frank was premiered at Mona Foma in 2010 and received the AMC/APRA Tasmanian State Art Music Award (Instrumental Work of the Year) in 2011. His Psychosonata (piano sonata #2) was presented at MONA in their 2012 Synaesthesia festival. Respected musicologist, composer and performer Michael Hannan wrote of Harvey's 2014 Psychosonata CD (Move MD 3368): 'like many a virtuoso performer turned composer, Harvey's music often stretches the boundaries of performance technique... The Psychosonata CD is an enjoyable and often dazzling listening experience'.

Harvey's trio Deus est Fabula was premiered by Plexus at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's 2014 Metropolis series at the Melbourne Recital Centre. A live CD/DVD recording of his epic Iyengar yoga and ensemble work Patañjali (2015) was released on the Move label and received an AMC/APRA state award for composition in 2016. Piano sonata #3 Aporia was premiered at the MSO's 2016 Metropolis series. His 90-minute Green Brain electronics cycle (based on the eponymous Frank Herbert novel) is due for its premiere in 2017.

Harvey gave the 2012 Peggy Glanville-Hicks address on the state of contemporary Australian art music to acclaim and controversy.

As a pianist Harvey's awards include the Grand Prix in the Ivo Pogorelich Piano Competition, USA (1993 - the world's richest at the time), the Debussy Medal (the Guilde Francaise Concours Paris 1986), the Australian Government's Centenary Medal (2002), the 2009 AMC/APRA Classical Music Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music, and the 2014 Tasmanian State Art Music Award for best performance (Gyger's Inferno).

Recent improvisation collaborations include the Chinese-Australian Typhoon ensemble with Violent Femmes bassist Brian Ritchie, the fluxus-influenced Slave Pianos and Indonesian punk outfit Punkasila, James Hullick's piano concerto with JOLT ensemble, saxophonist Adam Simmons's jazz/rock piano concerto, and Martin Friedel's Dance of the Bee with Astra.

The Michael Kieran Harvey Scholarship was established in 2006 to encourage future directions in Australian keyboard art music, and to date has launched the international professional careers of eight exceptional Australian musicians. Harvey is based in Tasmania, where he supports many environmental causes.

Booklet for Greta Piano Sonata #5 (2020): interpreted twice