Pierre Boulez on the genesis and design of Douze Notations
Douze Notations pour piano have a special place in the musical output of Pierre Boulez (1925-2016). For one thing, ever since their belated publication in 1985 these short piano pieces have headed the work list of this extremely self-critical composer. For another, Boulez frequently drew on these fledgling compositions in his later music. Finally, this collection of 1945 offers fascinating insights into the compositional workshop of the then 20-year-old composer.
Exploring Douze Notations on different levels
Three Klavier-Festival Ruhr education projects gave primary and secondary school pupils, young pianists, college students and professional dancers their first contact with Boulez's piano music. Here they explore various approaches to contemporary music.