Melvyn Tan Piano

This concert is dedicated to two widely different styles of keyboard sound, contrasting the refined and elegant eighteenth-century sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti with the twentieth-century hybrid inventions of John Cage. One of Cage's finest achievements, his Sonatas and Interludes is performed on a ‘prepared' piano whose strings are fitted with odd items including bolts, screws and erasers. These alterations allow the instrument to create a wide variety of timbres which are used to evoke heroism, eroticism, fear or tranquillity, amongst other emotions, from the Indian tradition of rasa.

Cage's groundbreaking soundscape is framed by the very traditional sonata structure of which Scarlatti was an early master. Singapore-born British pianist Melvyn Tan is acclaimed for his performances of piano works from early to modern.

‘exuberant showmanship' Independent on Sunday

‘a life affirming experience' The Herald

• Melvyn Tan