RIANNA SEELIG
Staff Writer
One of Fredonia’s own was recently involved in an exciting project. Composer and SUNY Distinguished Professor of the School of Music James Piorkowski had his newest recording, “NINE: The Guitar and Beyond,” released by Centaur Records.
The recording is a collection of nine new works. Guitar, being Piorkowski’s specialty, is heavily showcased. Additional School of Music faculty is included on the recording including Dr. Gerald Gray, Dr. Natasha Farny, Dr. Angela Haas, Anne Kissell-Harper and Daniel Ihasz.
When asked to describe the style of music, Ihasz stated the music was “contemporary and very fresh … At times the texture of the music is dense and others quite sparse.”
In an interview via email, Piorkowski described his music career:
“My life as a musician is like a big meal, consisting of many courses. I love working in all facets that comprise a musician’s life — composing music, arranging music, interpreting and performing music, teaching music and collaborating with other musicians.”
The recording process was a unique and challenging one. Piorkowski described it as different from any of his previous albums.
“When I began this project, I wasn’t exactly sure what music would eventually be on the album, except for a few certain works,” said Piorkowski. “I was composing some of the pieces as I went along, and then determining if these new compositions were good enough to be included on the album.
“The most challenging work to prepare and record was ‘The Greatest of These,’ written for choir and guitar,” he continued. “We recorded this in a church outside of Boston, with some very gifted singers staffing the choir. The logistics alone were very challenging — rehearsing, getting a great recorded sound in this large sanctuary, etc. At the end of the session, I’m not sure if I have ever been as drained and exhausted as I was on that night.”
The album, although a conglomeration of various artists and featured music, combines to create a beautiful arrangement. The recording, however, was also revealed to be somewhat influenced by a tragedy experienced by Piorkowski.
“Significantly, last year, shortly before submitting the recorded tracks and the linear notes to Centaur Records, my younger son, Ben, ended his own life,” said Piorkowski.
After this loss, it was clear the recording should be in remembrance of Ben.
“After the terrible loss of my son, I decided to dedicate the album in memoriam of him. As it turns out, the first track, ‘Eucharisteo,’ was dedicated to Ben while he was still alive, and I was glad that he got to hear ‘his piece.’”
Thankfully, Piorkowski was surrounded by a talented and supportive team of musicians during the recording process. Piorkowski was quick to express his gratitude for his colleagues.
“Everyone was dedicated to performing my music to the best of their ability, and as a composer, I could not ask for anything more than that … ,” said Piorkowski. “They were incredibly generous with their time and effort.”
Piorkowski was not the only one grateful for the experience. His colleagues also expressed a great deal of gratitude.
“It was an honor and privilege to conduct the choir for the recording,” said Gray. “I am grateful to Jim Piorkowski for his vision of the project and his producing the choral recording and the entire CD. We are most fortunate to have Professor Piorkowski on our faculty.”