Nightscapes for Villains - Songs Without Films for solo piano
cycle in 4 movements
At times, villainous characters have interesting music as accompaniment, and to my ears - some of the most memorable harmonies and melodies. This piece is a tribute to the awesome music that accompanies bad guys/girls in films; a cycle of piano solos that exploits core music elements of 4 different villains. Now, the titles of each movement give you a hint (as each villain song is a mystery to be solved). Almost at the edge of cruelty, the evil themes are projected in tranquility and anxiety. A 'Nightscape' of peacefulness, dreams, and nightmares.
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1. On Holiday from Intergalactic Domination
2. My Computer Hasn't Mastered Singing Like the Hall 9000
3. Nightmares About a Damned Little Dog!
4. Serenade for the Penultimate Midnight
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Duration, app. 9'30"
about the performer
Diana Peoples, pianist
Diana Peoples is an active performer and accompanist. She has premiered numerous pieces at the Music for Now series in North Georgia and enjoyed many collaborations with artists throughout the world. Diana has performed with the Rome Festival Orchestra/Opera, Southeast Missouri Symphony Orchestra, and the Southern Illinois Symphony. She has helped to organize several performance ensembles such as the 3D Trio and the Clarke Piano Trio (2nd Prize winners of the WRR Chamber Music Competition). An on demand adjudicator, accompanist, and teacher, Dr. Peoples resides in North Georgia. She served as adjunct faculty at the University of North Georgia. Diana earned her doctoral degree at the University of Texas at Austin and previously studied piano with such artists as James Sifferman, Mona Smith, Heidi Williams, Elaine Greenfield, Danielle Martin, and David Renner.