Odyssey of Dissent is a new recital program developed by pianist Frank Huang that explores the unique relationship between protest and classical music. Learn some of the most pivotal moments in history from an artistic perspective. Through the music, how do composers raise awareness of political and social issues that are central to their core beliefs? Odyssey of Dissent aims to demonstrate that music can deliver powerful messages of protest beyond the printed notes—certainly, a piece of music is worth a thousand words.

 

Featured on the program will be diverse music of big blockbuster hits to lesser-known works ranging from the Classical era to music of our time. Odyssey of Dissent invites the audience to experience Mozart’s reactions to the French Revolution through his opera, The Marriage of Figaro (Liszt-Busoni virtuosic piano arrangement); or learn more about Florence Price, one of the most important and neglected African-American female composers of our time.

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Chopin, Polonaise Fantasy

Rzewski, Winnsboro cottonmill blues

Liszt-Busoni, Fantasy on Themes from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro

Florence Price, Fantasie Negre No. 4

Beethoven, Variations and Fugue in E-flat major, Op. 35, “Eroica”