Danza Preparata - John Cage Rui Horta

As part of celebrations of the 100th anniversary of John Cage’s birth, pianist Rolf Hind, one of the great interpreters of modern piano music, collaborates with acclaimed choreographer Rui Horta, dancer Silvia Bertoncelli and a cat named Mia in a new work that showcases the genius of one of the twentieth century’s great artists.

Hind soundtracks Horta’s stunning choreography with Cage’s Sonatas and Interludes, a group of 20 short pieces for prepared piano that are often considered amongst his finest achievements. Cage put screws, bolts and rubbers into the workings of the piano to transform the most familiar instrument into an exotic, colourful percussion orchestra.

Horta in turn takes influence from Cage and his long collaboration with Merce Cunningham, creating a work that is intimate and poetic yet permeated with Cage’s love of randomness. Hind and Bertoncelli are joined on stage by a special feline guest who offers her own unique response to the music…

Queen Elizabeth Hall
Part of Ether Festival