David Liptak

Fortepiano or Piano

Composer's Note:

Like Clockwork was composed for Kristian Bezuidenhout. A pianist ranked among the best period-instrument keyboard players, he is probably best known for his performances on the fortepiano. Like Clockwork was composed in 2000 and designed for the fortepiano, although it also can be played on a modern piano. The instrument that was used by Mozart, Haydn, and other composers from the 18th and early 19th-century has a smaller range and less resonant sound than that of the modern piano, but it offers particularly fine clarity of articulation and line. The music begins with a suggestion of the third movement of Beethoven's early Piano Sonata in F-Major, Op 10, No 2, and the incessant pulse of eighth-notes starts the machine which drives the piece. Like Clockwork is music in perpetual motion.