Michael Nyman - MGV / The Piano Concerto

Cat No: MNRCD115

 MGV (Musique à Grand Vitesse) was commissioned by the Lille Festival, France. It was first performed on 26th September 1993 for the inauguration of the TGV North-European line. The rhythm, melody, harmony, motives and texture are constantly changing and is therefore one of the most exciting and inspiring pieces Michael Nyman has written. Leading international choreographer Christopher Wheeldon was gripped by MGV’s energy, dynamism and emotion. He was so inspired that he made new choreography to the music of MGV for The Royal Ballet in 2006.

The Piano Concerto is based entirely on material selected from the soundtrack for Jane Campion’s film The Piano. It is a single movement work in four phases. 3 of them feature 18th and 19th century popular Scottish song tunes, which formed the basis of Ada’s music in the film.