Performers
Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Piano
Tamara Stefanovich, Piano

Program
BARTÓK Selections from Mikrokosmos
RAVEL Sites auriculaires
HARRISON BIRTWISTLE Keyboard Engine, Construction for Two Pianos (US Premiere, co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall)
MESSIAEN Visions de l’Amen

Messiaen’s Visions de l’Amen, written shortly after his release from a prisoner of war camp during the Second World War, fuses religious fervor and earthly passion. Daring in its explorations of color, harmony, and rhythm, this ardent work was written for the composer and his student (and future wife) Yvonne Loriod. Pierre-Laurent Aimard and Tamara Stefanovich, renowned for their spectacular virtuosity and piercing intelligence, perform Messiaen’s masterpiece alongside music by Ravel, Bartok, and a Harrison Birtwistle work co-commissioned by Carnegie Hall.