Jeffrey Kahane’s improvisation on Samuel A. Ward’s “American the Beautiful” moves beyond fervent, flag-waving patriotism into something more sombre, introspective, and quietly majestic. As a solo pianist, Kahane turns to this soulful impromptu as a frequent encore.
You may also know Jeffrey Kahane as a conductor. He served as music director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for twenty years and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra from 2005 to 2010. His son, Gabriel Kahane is a talented songwriter and composer.
This performance took place at the Tippet Rise Art Center’s Olivier Music Barn in south central Montana on August 11, 2017:
For another version of America the Beautiful, listen to this classic recording by Ray Charles.
Recordings
- Kahane/Ward: Improvisation on “America the Beautiful” Amazon
- Mozart: Fantasy for Piano in D minor, K. 397, Jeffrey Kahane
- Brahms: Piano Trio No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 101 (I. Allegro energico), Jeffrey Kahane, Joseph Swensen, Carter Brey
- Ray Charles: America the Beautiful Amazon