Ian Wilson: Stations - A Contemporary Work for Piano

Product Information

• Published: 2009
• Publisher: Ricordi
• UPC/Item Number: RICL00013200
• Other Reference: RICL 132-POD
• ISMN: 9790570027569 / 979-0570027569
• Setting: Piano

Overview

Ian Wilson’s Stations, published in 2009, is a compelling and introspective composition for solo piano that reflects the composer’s deep engagement with emotional nuance, musical architecture, and expressive depth. Structured as a sequence of short movements or “stations”, the work draws on both the spiritual and metaphorical implications of its title, offering a journey through contrasting moods, textures, and states of mind. Each individual movement functions as a moment of reflection—distinct yet interconnected—contributing to an overarching narrative that is at once personal and universal. Some stations are marked by quiet contemplation and sparse, transparent textures, while others delve into more turbulent, rhythmically driven material, creating a dramatic tension and release that resonates throughout the work.

Wilson’s writing for the piano is idiomatic and imaginative, blending contemporary techniques with expressive lyricism. He makes full use of the instrument’s range and color, inviting the performer to explore subtle pedaling, dynamic nuance, and a wide variety of articulations. While not overtly virtuosic in the traditional sense, the work demands a high level of sensitivity, control, and interpretive insight, making it especially rewarding for advanced students, professional pianists, and teachers seeking rich contemporary repertoire. Stations is well-suited to both the concert stage and pedagogical settings, offering flexibility in performance—either as a complete cycle or as selected individual movements. The modular nature of the composition allows for thematic programming around ideas of journey, transformation, or spiritual reflection. Through Stations, Ian Wilson presents a musical landscape that is at once intimate and expansive, personal and open-ended. It stands as a significant contribution to the contemporary solo piano repertoire, inviting performers to embark on a thoughtful and emotionally resonant journey, and offering audiences a listening experience marked by clarity, beauty, and depth.

Product Features

• Format: Full Score
• Ensemble Configuration: Solo Piano
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3 (Intermediate)
• Composition Style: Contemporary classical music
• Performance Requirements: Requires expressive interpretation and technical proficiency

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Significance: "Stations" is noted for its innovative approach to piano composition, featuring a variety of textures and dynamics that challenge the performer while captivating the audience.
• Performance Context: This piece is ideal for solo recitals, competitions, and educational settings, providing pianists with an opportunity to showcase their interpretative skills and technical abilities.
• Composer Background: Ian Wilson, born in Belfast, is a prominent contemporary composer known for his diverse body of work that often blends traditional and modern elements, creating unique musical experiences.

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a respected international music publishing house dedicated to contemporary classical music.

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