HAVE YOU watched the Youtube video of Vyacheslav Gryaznov playing his Rhapsody in Black? We love the music, drama and emotion of this piece and how Gryaznov utilizes the dynamic new technology “G-Phil” to bring the music alive.
Hear him play this fascinating piece in a salon style gathering on Sunday, November 17, 2024 in Cupertino, CA 2:30-4:30. Call our box office at 408-300-5635 or purchase tickets at https://steinwaysociety.com/tickets/
Gryaznov created “Rhapsody In Black on themes from George Gershwin’s opera Porgy and Bess” for the 
famous piano duo of Nikolai Petrov and Alexander Ghindin. Petrov had a stroke shortly before the premiere at Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow and couldn’t play, but he continued to call Gryaznov urging and encouraging this work. After Petrov’s death, Gryaznov dedicated this piece to his memory.
Rhapsody in Black: a composition with the story of a man with a disabled body but a fervent soul
Rhapsody in Black by Vyacheslav Gryaznov is a stunning and original work that blends classical and jazz influences, creating a unique soundscape that is both virtuosic and deeply emotive. Composed and performed by Gryaznov himself, this composition showcases his extraordinary skill as both a pianist and a composer.
The piece is often described as a modern rhapsody—free-flowing and improvisational in spirit, yet highly structured in terms of its thematic development. The title “Rhapsody in Black” is a playful nod to the interplay between classical music and jazz, with “black” referencing the black keys of the piano, which are often the source of the rich, bluesy, and jazz-inspired passages in the work.
Key Features of Rhapsody in Black:
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Fusion of Styles: The piece incorporates elements of both Western classical music and American jazz, with Gryaznov seamlessly transitioning between them. The classical structure provides a foundation, while the jazz elements introduce a sense of freedom and spontaneity.
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Virtuosic Piano Technique: True to Vyacheslav Gryaznov’s reputation as a world-class pianist, Rhapsody in Black is demanding both technically and emotionally. It requires intricate finger work, rapid changes in mood, and a keen sense of rhythmic precision.
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Expressive and Dynamic: The rhapsody explores a wide emotional range, from moments of intense passion and melancholy to sections filled with playful energy and rhythmic complexity. The music takes the listener on a journey, blending the introspective quality of classical music with the vibrant, infectious rhythms of jazz.
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Influence of Jazz Legends: Gryaznov has mentioned that the piece draws inspiration from the great American jazz pianists and composers, such as Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. While it is not a “jazz standard,” the essence of jazz improvisation and swing is embedded within the work.
Why It’s Special:
Rhapsody in Black is more than just a piece of music—it’s a fusion of cultures, a representation of Gryaznov’s creativity and versatility, and a testament to his ability to transcend genres. The work also serves as an introduction to his broader musical style, which often blends classical technique with contemporary influences.
If you’re attending one of the two Vyacheslav Gryaznov performances we’re sponsoring this November, particularly his live renditions of this piece, you can expect an electrifying experience. The dynamic contrasts and improvisational elements keep the audience on the edge of their seats, making it a highlight of any concert program.
