Pianos on the Battlefield

A A A Comments (0) By Mary Beth Crain Thursday, Nov 10 2011

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Walt Disney Concert Hall

111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Category: Music Venues

Region: Out of Town

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Here's a novel concept: a concerto "battle." Two pianos duke it out in a nine-movement work "following the various hypothetical stages of the 15th-century Battaglia di San Romano, as depicted in an impressive triptych painted by Paolo Uccello," according to composer Richard Dubugnon. Meanwhile, the traditional symphony orchestra is split into two orchestras stationed, like opposing armies, behind the pianos. So, uh ... why? "I realized that in the literature for two pianos and orchestra, the two soloists very often play together most of the time, which makes it difficult for the listener to know who plays what," Dubugnon explains. "I wanted both soloists not only to converse and compete in virtuosity but also to have their own moments of brilliance or expressivity." This weekend, the Los Angeles Philharmonic presents the world premiere of Dubugnon's Battlefield Concerto for Two Pianos and Double Orchestra with those famous siblings, Katia and Marielle Labeque — for whom the work was written — at the keyboards and Semyon Bychkov, who happens to be Marielle's husband, conducting. Also on the program: Ravel's Rapsodie Espagnole arranged for two solo pianos, and Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111. S. Grand Ave., dwntwn.; Fri.-Sat., Nov. 11-12, 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 13, 2 p.m.; Upbeat Live pre-concert lecture with Christopher Russell, director of orchestral studies at Azusa Pacific University, one hour prior to concerts; $24-$178. (323) 850-2000, laphil.com.
Fri., Nov. 11, 8 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 12, 8 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 13, 2 p.m., 2011