Kathryn Stott - Michael Nyman - MGV, The Piano Concerto (2008)

MGV (Musique à Grand Vitesse)
was commissioned by the Lille Festival, France. It was first performed on 26th September 1993 for the inauguration of the TGV North-European line. The rhythm, melody, harmony, motives and texture are constantly changing and is therefore one of the most exciting and inspiring pieces Michael Nyman has written.

Leading international choreographer Christopher Wheeldon was gripped by MGV’s energy, dynamism and emotion. He was so inspired that he made new choreography to the music of MGV for The Royal Ballet in 2006. Due to popular demand, the resultant work, DGV (Dance a Grande Vitesse), will be revived by The Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, London, on the following dates: 31st January, 6th, 9th, 20th and 21st February 2009.

The Piano Concerto
is based entirely on material selected from the soundtrack for Jane Campion’s film The Piano. It is a single movement work in four phases. 3 of them feature 18th and 19th century popular Scottish song tunes, which formed the basis of Ada’s music in the film. It is a wonderfully powerful and evocative score and there are planned performances of the Piano Concerto in the UK in 2009.