John Corigliano - "Winging It"

John Corigliano, one of the greatest living American composers, improvised and recorded three pieces in three different places in time. He later transcribed them onto the page and gave them the playful title “Winging it.” This unique 21st century piece is dedicated to my teacher, the renowned interpreter of contemporary American music, Ursula Oppens, who received Grammy nomination for her recording of the work.

Listening to such thematic and well-structured music, it’s easy to doubt the authenticity of the improvisation claim, especially when you consider that John humbly declares himself “not a pianist.” But after getting to know John and briefly studying composition with him, I can assure you that this is the real deal - and trust me, so is he! I heard the original recordings of these improvisations… they are extraordinary and in a league of their own.

When you are as connected to your own style of musical language the way John is, stuff like this can just pour out of you in real time, when the planets align, of course. In the score, he titles each piece by when it was was initially played and also indicates that they can be performed individually or in any order.

I have performed the whole set in chronological succession, but chose to perform II. followed by I. for this performance.

Fun fact: The first one was created on my birthday!

0:00 II. 1/3/08
6:29 I. 12/28/07