Karsilama

First performance:
February 15 2012
Duo Amal: Bishara Haroni and Yaron Kohlberg, pianists
Sounds of Israel
Staatliche Jugendmusikschule Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany

Composer's Note:
The Turkish word Karsilama refers to a popular couple’s folk dance in 9/8 meter. Originally, the word Karsilama means “face to face greeting.” Since a piano duo plays facing each other, I thought it would be appropriate to write a couple’s dance of this kind for two pianos.

The piece is structured as a set of variations. Each presents a different way to dance the 9/8 rhythm, as well as a different way two people might greet each other face to face.

— Avner Dorman