The Piano Diaries: with Rajat Chowdhury

An introspective sunset piano recital performed by Rajat Chowdhury in Pandora Park

Wednesday, July 12, 8pm. 2023.

The music that makes my music making

These are a collection of pieces that influenced me deeply over the years and whose composers were core to the development of my voice as a pianist and composer. These pieces will be followed by a composition and improvisations of mine so that one can hear how these influences manifest in the way I play and speak music today. 

1.Makes me feel exalted:

Rajat Chowdhury: Improvised prelude on Hindu prayer chants in C major 

2. Makes me think of a formative time in my life:

F. Chopin: Nocturne no.20 in C sharp minor op. Posthumous

3. The thought of performing scares me:

M. Ravel: Sonatine, movement 1 (Modéré)

4. I didn’t like at first but grew on me:

S. Rachmaninoff: piano sonata No. 2 op. 35 in B flat minor, op. 36, movement 1

5. Hurts to play, in the best kind of way:

L.V. Beethoven, Sonata no. 14 in C sharp minor op. 27 no. 2 “moonlight”, movement 1 

6. Reminds me of a special person:

Rajat Chowdhury: Tremolo Etude “fluttering”