The Periodic Table Live Concert - Chapter 7. Lead

The Periodic Table Live Concert - Chapter 7. Lead

Used as an interlude between the Pre-War and War-time sections, these are some of the first stories that Levi writes which use the characteristics of the elements to shape the characters in each story. Lead is heavy and tired while Mercury is slippery and sly. These serve as harbingers to the later fictions Levi would write, the first two in a set of four theme and variations.

Bryn Mawr College • Old Library, Great Hall
Thursday, April 11, 2024

Composer: Jessi Harvey ’09 (https://www.jessiharveymusic.com/)
Pianist: Charles Abramovic (https://boyer.temple.edu/about/facult...)

In Memory of Nicholas Patruno, former Professor in the Department of Italian and Italian Studies at Bryn Mawr College

ABSTRACT BY COMPOSER JESSI HARVEY:
The Periodic Table is a piece and a project dedicated to late Nicholas Patruno, former Professor of Italian Studies at Bryn Mawr College, and to Primo Levi, author of the book "The Periodic Table" ("Il sistema periodico"), published by Einaudi in 1975. Of those two people, one I knew personally as a teacher and one I only knew through their writing. This is a solo piano work inspired by Primo Levi’s book by the same name with its 21 chapters being recreated in 21 movements. The format and structure of each movement is guided by Nicolas Patruno’s book, "Understanding Primo Levi". Throughout the piece there are references to books Levi read, ancestral migrations, modern collaborators, regional specifics, and more. There are themes running throughout the book of Levi as establishing his identity, the love of his work in the field of chemistry, the women he loved, and the Fascism he endured and fought against his entire life. Most importantly, there is the theme of memory; bearing witness for those lost and the continuation to speak the truth when people wish it suppressed.

MORE INFO:
https://www.jessiharveymusic.com/
https://www.theperiodictableproject.com/

SCORE:
To follow the score along with this sound recording please visit this website: https://www.jessiharveymusic.com/the-...