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11-5-2001 Master Richard Fuller to Perform in the University of Dayton Art Series University of Dayton

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Recommended Citation University of Dayton, "Fortepiano Master Richard Fuller to Perform in the University of Dayton Art Series" (2001). News Releases. 10190. https://ecommons.udayton.edu/news_rls/10190

This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Marketing and Communications at eCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in News Releases by an authorized administrator of eCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected], [email protected]. o Nov. 5, 2001 UNIVERSITY Contact: Pamela Gregg [email protected]

DAYTON

NEWS RELEASE

FORTEPIANO MASTER RICHARD FULLER TO PERFORM IN UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON ART SERIES

DAYTON, Ohio -In the hands of even the most skilled pianists, the essence of compositions by Mozart, Haydn and others of the classical and Romantic eras is somewhat diminished when performed on a contemporary . After all, the arrival of 88 keys didn't occur until the late 19th century, long after Mozart composed his last piece on the fortepiano­ a smaller, lighter and more delicate-sounding version of today's ironclad instrument. Enter Richard Fuller, who has dedicated his musical career to the instrument that helped Amadeus stake his claim to fame. The Vienna-based artist's European and North American concert schedule brings him to the University of Dayton at 8 p.m Thursday, Nov. 15, in Sears Recital Hall in the Jesse Philips Humanities Center. His performance is part of UD's 2001-2002 Arts Series. Tickets are $12 general admission and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, call the UD box office at (937) 229-2545. Earlier in the day, Fuller will work one-on-one with UD piano students, demonstrating the differences between the fortepiano and its contemporary cousin and giving tips on evoking the best sounds from the smaller instrument. The master class is open to the public and will be held at 4:30 p.m. in Sears Recital Hall. Evolved from the and clavichord, the fortepiano differs from its predecessors in its hammer-and-lever action- the other instruments were built with devices that mechanically plucked the strings instead. The levered hammers of the fortepiano allow the player to increase or decrease the intensity of sound by the degree of pressure he applies to the keys, thus the instrument's name- combining "forte," the musical direction for playing loudly, and "piano," the musical direction for playing softly. -over-

OFFICE oF PuBLIC RELATIONS 300 College Park Dayton, Ohio 45469-1679 (937) 229-3241 (937) 229-3063 Fax www.udayton.edu Because it has fewer octaves and is made entirely of wood, unlike the metal-supported framing of today' s , the fortepiano is much lighter and therefore has a lighter sound, said Richard Benedum, professor of music and alumni chair in the humanities at the University of Dayton. Coaxing the kind of music the piano was designed to play takes training and a supple hand. Fuller has been a strong influence in the fortepiano revival in Germany and Austria. One of the few artists who addresses himself solely to the instrument, he has earned renown throughout Europe and North America for his skilled and sensitive interpretations of the piano and of the Viennese classical and early Romantic periods. In addition to solo and collaborative concerts with American and European orchestras and ensembles and for radio and television broadcasts, Fuller has performed as a featured artist on a number of compact discs. -30- For media interviews, call Barbra Lupp, manager of UD Arts Series, at (937) 229-2787 and Richard Benedum at (937) 229-3986.