Pianist, composer, and filmmaker Tellef Johnson brings a piano sonata to Brookings this Thursday. But it’s not just any piano sonata.
Johnson will perform an epic work by the English composer Sorabji. It consists of 10 movements broken into three parts. Each part takes about 2 1/2 hours to perform. That means the concert — with two 30-minute intermissions — will stretch to 7 1/2 hours.
For decades Sorabji refused to let anyone perform his work. Johnson says the music sat in libraries until the world caught up with the composer.
Tellef Johnson’s performance of Sorabji’s Piano Sonata V. "Opus Archimagicum" is this Thursday in the Founders Recital Hall at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings.
Johnson offers a public, pre-concert warm-up at 9:30 a.m. The performance begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 6:30 p.m. with two 30-minute intermissions. Attendees are invited to stay for a few moments or a few hours. The performance is free.
Johnson spoke with SDPB’s Lori Walsh.
