THREE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPOSER PW SCHRECK

Improvisor, composer, and pianist, PW Schreck was born in New York City in 1924.  Always distrustful of the microphone, camera, and interviewer, he has never given himself the chance to achieve the respect (if not the notoriety) that he deserves. He has brought techniques of improvisation to many unlikely situations, such as big bands, films, and concert halls. His unorthodox approach to the piano and his inventive use of the entire instrument are unequalled.  Unforgettable to the few who have seen him perform, he remains unknown to many more.  

These three interviews appeared in The Improvisor in the 90's.
After being unavailable for many years, they are now all online.

"STRIPPING THE PIANO BARE".
The early days: scavenging a burnt piano harp and improvisation
The Improvisor: The International Journal of Free Improvisation.
Volume IX, 1991
Stripping the Piano Bare

“FATHER OF CALAMITONALITY"
Film music for "Of Dice and Men," and The Law of Diminishing Harmonic Returns
The Improvisor.
Volume X, 1993
Father of Calamitonality

“LOOSE WIRES AND BURNT IVORY"
Massive multi-piano experimentation and WWII propaganda films
The Improvisor.
Volume XI, 1996
Loose Wires and Burnt Ivory

 

 

 


 
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