Iswargia to play Ginastera works

JAKARTA (JP): Pianist Iswargia R. Sudarno will perform a solo concert featuring the works of Albert Ginastera in Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Playhouse) on Monday.

He will play the Argentinean's compositions, 6 Preludios Americanos and Danza Argentinas, Frederick Schubert's Allegretto in C Minor and Sonata in B- flat Major D. 960, as well as Slamet A. Sjukur's Yu- Taha.

"I selected the program to present the contrasting works of this early 20th century composer," said Iswargia.

Although less known to the local public, who are more familiar with western European composers, Ginastera's music is distinctive for its traditional nuances.

Known to work traditional South American music into his compositions, Ginastera subscribed to the romanticism that swept the region in the first half of the century. Ginastera is a disciple of Alberto Williams, an Argentinean musician who studied in Paris, but returned home to compose contemporary music within native, nationalistic Argentinean traditions.

"Even though Ginastera's compositions are traditional compared to those of Anton von Weber, Frederick Schubert and Olivier Messiaen yet his own character is projected strongly," said Iswargia.

Iswargia, who also works as a music educator and concert organizer, has performed with well known musicians in the past. The performance on Monday will be his first solo concert this year.

He has maintained a busy schedule as a soloist, chamber musician and accompanist throughout the year. Earlier, he performed with Trisutji Kamal Ensemble in their concert tour to Italy, while last month he performed with the Jakarta Chamber Music society in Erasmus Huis, South Jakarta.

A graduate from Bandung Institute of Technology, Iswargia pursued his musical education at the Manhattan School of Music, New York. The influence of his teacher at the school, Karl Schnabel, induced him to play contemporary music in addition to studying the works of Schubert, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. (46)