(2.15) The experimental Kukuruz Quartet presents a concert for four “prepared” pianos, or instruments whose sounds have been altered by miscellaneous objects wedged between the strings. Piano wedgies! The program features rarely-played compositions by Julius Eastman and new works by Brown-affiliated artists Erik DeLuca, Alexander Dupuis and more.
The Kukuruz Quartet is equally at home on theatre stages, concert halls, in clubs, bars and studios. It was founded in 2014 in a corn field – “Kukuruz” means corn in several languages, and the Swiss-German expression “Mais machen” (literally “to make corn”) means to stir up mischief. The four pianists were first seen and heard making their contribution to a production by musician and theatre director Ruedi Häusermann at the Zurich Schauspielhaus. The quartet was performing on four so-called “well-prepared one-hand pianos”, having spent long sessions exploring different preparations and constructions. From the outset, the group has been engaged with classical music, jazz and impro-visation.
Let’s make some corn!
Free and open to the public, 7pm to 9pm, Friday, February 15, Martinos Auditorium, Granoff Center, 154 Angell Street, (directions)