Mahler Chamber Orchestra / Igor Levit / Elim Chan

Gentle music for not gentle times

The music of William Bolcom has been Igor Levit’s constant companion since his student days. And the American composer’s First Piano Concerto, in particular, whetted his appetite for more. Without further ado, he got in touch with the composer, now over 80, who is known not only for classical works like symphonies, oratorios and solo concertos, but also for »revolutionising ragtime«. The Piano Concerto No. 2 emerged from this contact: Bolcom himself describes it as »a gentle piece for not gentle times«.