American Project - Yuja Wang

Yuja Wang, Louisville Orchestra, Teddy Abrams

Yuja Wang shines as soloist in the world premiere recording of a new piano concerto written especially for her by her friend Teddy Abrams. The extremely versatile Abrams - pianist, clarinetist, composer and music director of the Louisville Orchestra - and the star pianist became friends during their student days. Originally conceived as a short companion composition to Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," Abrams' Piano Concerto evolved into a showpiece in its own right. The work celebrates the richness of American musical culture and the sheer depth and breadth of Yuja Wang's virtuosity. "I see this concerto as an opportunity for the piano to take us through what I think is one of the strengths of American culture: its plurality, its interconnectedness," Abrams explains. The concerto is divided into eleven sections, including a swing-style big band overture, three solo cadenzas, and Latin jazz-inspired "solos" and passages reminiscent of boogie-woogie, American gospel songs, or Broadway showstoppers. Also included on the album is the improvisational "You Come Here Often?" created for Yuja Wang by another close friend, Michael Tilson Thomas. The piece evolves from a simple rhythmic riff into a jazz fusion number with thoughtful episodes and a rocking finale. Both works were recorded with the Louisville Orchestra under Abrams' direction.

Price: $26.98