Metamorphoses
The Art of the Romantic Piano Transcription
by Rian de Waal
Rian's Transcription Project
Rian de Waal, as a pianist and a musician, was working on transcriptions for over twenty-five years. He also dedicated his research to the subject, which he conducted partly within the Research Group Lifelong Learning in Music & the Arts of the Hanzehogeschool in Groningen. In the soon to be launched book and accompanying cd's a historical overview of transcription is given. The research is of extraordinary importance for both professional musicians and students.
The Art of Transcription
Dealing with transcriptions was for Rian about ‘how’ and ‘why’. 'How is it done?’, ‘Is it done with skill, with fantasy, with understanding of the composer's intentions?’, ‘And why is it done?’, ‘What are the motives behind it?’, ‘Are there solely artistic motives or are there commercial motives as well?’
Basically it boiled down to the question: IS THE RESULT GOOD MUSIC? Read more about Rian's fascination....
The Third Recording
Recently Marion van den Akker released the third cd in the series ' The Valthermond Recordings'. This third release is a selection of songs that Marion and Rian recorded together. They reflect the inspiration that they found together in Valthermond. The last three songs on the disc are a special tribute to Rian de Waal, recorded by Marion and pianist Paul Komen.