Some Piano Compositions by Nicolas Economou, Notated Post Mortem from the Composer’s Recordings

Abstract

The paper examines the nocturnes of the Cypriot composer and pianist Nicolas Economou (1953-1993) and how much they reflected the traditions of the genre of the piano nocturnes from the 19th Century, enriched with contemporary compositional techniques from the 20th Century. The different approach towards the structure as well as the influence of the jazz instrumental culture, mark a radical departure from the old forms. This is a consequence not only of the artistic temperament of Economou but also of the fact that he never notated but only recorded the nocturnes. The piano was his true medium of expression; therefore the compositions retain a strong element of improvisation and nonconformity. The cycle of eight nocturnes testify to the great improvisatory gift and spontaneity of Nicolas Economou as one the most significant Cypriot composers of the 20th Century.