Exciting Piano Performance

15-year-old pianist Isabella Ko performs Sonata Andina, II. Himno Inca by Gabriela Lena Frank. This piece commands a lot from the performer and requires moments of clapping and audible noises. Read below to learn from the composer about the origin and meaning behind this wonderful work!

“This piece is dedicated to my grandmother Griselda Cam. It draws inspiration from the idea of “mestizaje,” as envisioned by the Peruvian writer Jose María Arguedas, whereby cultures can co-exist without the subjugation of one by the other. In such a spirit, Sonata Andina para piano solo mixes elements from the western classical and Andean folk music traditions. “Himno Inca” mimics an ensemble style common to the Andes where a number of players stand around in a semi-circle with panpipes known as ZAMPOÑAS that each have a constricted range of notes which may be preceded, accompanied, and followed by brief percussion.” — Gabriela Lena Frank

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