PHILIP GLASS Piano Etudes 1-10 (Book One) ANDREW CHUBB, piano ---------------------------------------- When Andrew Chubb’s favourite composer – Philip Glass – composed his ‘Piano Etudes’ (of which there are 20), he did so with the intent of expanding his own pianistic abilities as well as adding new material for his live piano concerts. But for the Newcastle, Australia-based Chubb, a seasoned performer of classical piano music, the ability was already there. The challenge, then, became the musical analysis and interpretation. From the outset, it’s clear that Chubb really “gets” this music. Firstly, the rhythmic and technical challenges of the material need to be met with total, robotic-like, precision. And secondly, the lyrical and emotional elements of the music need to emerge from within the confines of that precision. This is not an easy thing to do and what we need is a performer virtually akin to a “sensual human robot.” We have that here. For me, ‘No.4’s smokiness, the religiosity of ‘No.5’ and the ambient pulsations at the close of ‘No.7’ are highlights. With regard to ‘No.8’, it’s hard to imagine anyone loving the melody more than Chubb. This recording gives us an opportunity to have our spines stiffened with elegance and our minds smartly soothed. And that’s because for Andrew Chubb, it’s not just a performance – it’s an ode to the music he lives and breathes daily. Andrew Shapiro Brooklyn, New York November 2015 ANDREW CHUBB is Australia’s pioneer when it comes to the performance of Philip Glass piano music. Since 2003, he has given numerous all-Glass recitals at various cities in Australia and during recital tours to Canada in 2008 and 2013. His interest in promoting contemporary repertoire has included Australian premiere performances of compositions by Hans Otte, Heins Chur and Andrew Shapiro. In particular, he gave the first Australian performance in 2007 of Otte’s epic 80-minute, ‘The Book of Sounds’, on the Australian made Stuart & Sons piano at Newcastle Conservatorium. Andrew Chubb is a recognised composer with radio broadcasts of his work through Australia’s National Broadcaster, ABC Classic FM. He is also a passionate piano teacher successfully developing a number of early to advanced level students. - www.andrewchubb.com.au ---------------------------------------- Recorded 22-24 June 2015 at Bernies Music Land, Melbourne, Australia Piano: Schimmel Konzert 280 Piano Technician: Michael Karlberg Recording Engineers and Editing: Martin Wright and Vaughan McAlley, MOVE Records Mastering: Mikołaj Bugajak Album Design: Noni Boss, SuckerPunch Design Philip Glass ‘Etudes’ score published by: Dunvagen Music Publishers / Chester Music Many thanks to all of the Pozible campaign supporters including; Stephen Dosen, Penny Le Couteur, Greg Dickson, Sharon Louise Webb, Michael Barwell, Joanna Barlow, Vina Chubb and Deborah Anne Hackett, who made significant donations. Additional thanks to Andrew Shapiro, Michael Karlberg, Yang-Ming Goh, Bernie Capicchiano and Ned Kulasin for their support and assistance.