PETER OLAF SWANSON
Variations
for piano
Op. 6 (2016)
One composer with whom I am continually fascinated is Paul Hindemith. I found myself truly enjoying his sonatas for piano (especially the recordings of Glenn Gould). While in residency in Vienna with the Luther College Symphony, I decided to try my hand at writing some piano music without a piano nearby in the manner of Hindemith. Not terribly satisfied with the results, I took the main idea, reworked it here and there, and proceeded to create a set of variations around it.
Believe it or not, I gave the premiere of this piece at Luther, though I am far from a concert pianist. In fact, I don't think I had performed in public as a pianist in six or seven years. Somehow, it ended up being one of the most successful public performances I've had to date.
Performances:
Decorah IA, 2016