Curt Cacioppo: A Child"s Testimony

Pianist Paul Orgel plays Curt Cacioppo's "A Child's Testimony" (2023), for piano solo.
Curt Cacioppo writes:
"With the title "A Child's Testimony," and its extensive performance indications (well over 100 just for mood and tempo), the narration of a story must certainly be suggested. I refrain from being specific about it, wishing not to interfere with the imagination of the listener engaged in the music. (The composer Robert Ward once chided me severely for imposing my program on the audience!) One interesting feature of the piece, though, is its pattern of rejecting pattern, in terms of musical exposition and flow. The opening chorale dates from fall 1969. I was just entering college as a freshman, remembering moments from my childhood, enchanted with the clarity of perfect fifths, composing my conscientious objector statement to the draft board. The My Lai story was about to break..."
At the end of the recording sessions for Curt Cacioppo's 2019 cycle for soprano and piano, "Songs With and Without Words", I recorded his recent solo piano piece, "A Child's Testimony". This video is, I'm proud to say, its first performance.
The music's unsettled mood -- excepting the calm opening chorale and its reprise -- suggests some disturbing disclosures, with the chords at 6:27 signifying the violent focal point of the child's testimony. -Paul Orgel, June, 2024

[@michaelhabermann5997]

Love it! Beautifully played. At the heart is a warm melodic impulse, even when the mood becomes cantankerous.

[@paulorgel4503]

Many thanks! Appreciate your listening -

[@beth_levin_piano]

never wanted it to end....

[@charlescacioppo]

That was wonderful, Paul!

[@paulorgel4503]

Thank you! (Inspiring music.)

[@alanmoverman662]

Really great performance! Wow. Beautifully and moving piece. It reminded me of the Copland Fantasy, which is is an all time fav of mine. (Though a bit longer🤣). I heard the Bach partita 6 too which is excellent indeed!

[@paulorgel4503]

Thanks so much, Alan!