34 reasons to play the piano again
Imaginative miniatures, inspired by legends, fairy tales, history or the Bible, for adults who are drawn back to the instrument.
On March 15, 2016, the composer Wilfried Hiller turned 75 years old. As part of the celebrations, his 34 piano miniatures were premiered in Munich on that very day. Cosmos premiered. The composition of the pieces was inspired by the dancer, painter and sculptor Antje Tesche-Mentzen. She had told Hiller in 2014 that she would like to start playing the piano again after a long break. Hiller then promised her a cycle for a new beginning.
The result is 34 finely crafted, highly expressive poetic miniatures. Like many of his stage works, this collection is also inspired by legends, fairy tales, historical and Old Testament themes. The number 34 leads us to Albrecht Dürer's copperplate engraving Melancholyin which the "magic square" is incorporated. In the epilogue, the composer provides welcome information on the content and genesis of the individual pieces. I am happy to endorse Antje Tesche-Mentzen's recommendation printed in the booklet: "Fantasies for young and older piano enthusiasts. The cycle is an invitation to be inspired by images, texts and musical thoughts in order to spin them further in your own playing."
Wilfried Hiller: Kosmos. 34 piano miniatures, ED 22483, € 29.00, Schott, Mainz 2015
