This 2-CD set is the first solo work by Charlemagne Palestine on Sub Rosa -- the first but probably not the last -- the label would also like to re-release a series of his classic works, which have previously been unavailable. From Etudes to Cataclysms is one of Charlemagne's most important works. An impressive composition of more than 140 minutes based on a unique instrument -- a double piano on which one keyboard is played by the feet. "Several years ago, Martin Kaufmann of Kaufmann Pianos in Brussels told me he had seen and heard an amazing and unique instrument in Italy. A piano with two separate bodies! One with a normal grand piano body having 88 notes to be played with the fingers, and below this piano was a second piano also with a grand piano body that could play simultaneously the lower 37 notes of a grand piano with pedals for the feet. Having known my music for years and that I had been a carilloneur where one plays with both fists and feet simultaneously, Martin Kaufmann thought that the Borgato would be perfect for my music. The inventor of this unique instrument was Luigi Borgato from Padua, who developed this instrument with his wife, Paola. I was intrigued, and through an intermediary, the Italian pianist Roberto Posseda visited the Borgatos in Lonigo where they have their workshop and found that their instrument was perfect for my body and my music. We immediately decided to organize recording sessions in a local church for one week and From Etudes to Cataclysms is the result!" --Charlemagne Palestine, October 2007
- This is Charlemagne Palestine's first full-length release for the Sub Rosa label.
- Charlemagne Palestine is a minimalist composer, vocalist and performer noted for his carillon and electronic drone music. He is regarded as perhaps one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in experimental performance, alongside his contemporaries Tony Conrad, Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Phillip Glass.
- From Etudes to Cataclysms features Palestine performing over 140 minutes of music on a rarely-seen, unique instrument, the double piano, part of which is played by the feet.
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