Jennifer Koh & Missy Mazzoli: Tiny Desk Concert
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Published 2024-03-20
Thankfully, few no longer believe that playing classical music requires an evening gown or a tux. When composer Missy Mazzoli and violinist Jennifer Koh made their way into our Tiny Desk office space, we took note of the beautiful ink on Mazzoli‘s arm, her clunky black boots, and Koh’s bright blue hair and sleeveless leather dress.
The two artists have been collaborating for 15 years and this ferocious and beautiful set traces that history. It also reveals an essential equation of how classical music works: Mazzoli, the composer, who is currently writing a work for the Metropolitan Opera, conjures up music in her head, and Koh, the performer, breathes life into it.
Koh opens with Hail, Horrors, Hail, a recent solo piece she included on Alone Together, a homespun album recorded during the height of the pandemic which earned her a Grammy. Mazzoli joins at the keyboard in a bespoke arrangement of the final movement from Procession, Mazzoli’s sumptuous violin concerto, inspired by medieval healing rituals, which Koh premiered in 2022 with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Dissolve, O my Heart, the first piece Mazzoli wrote for Koh, spirals out into an emotional journey touched with spasms of joy and grief. It’s rooted in late-night discussions fueled by Chinese food, cupcakes and Bach’s revered Chaconne D minor that is quoted at the beginning. Koh closes with Kinski Paganini, unsettled music inspired by the German actor Klaus Kinski’s volatile performances.
Hearing this set, in all its rugged delight, feels like we’re eavesdropping on something personal — a fruitful, collaborative friendship between composer and performer that has yielded amazing music.
SET LIST
Mazzoli: Hail, Horrors, Hail
Mazzoli: Violin Concerto (Procession): “Procession Ascending”
Mazzoli: Dissolve, O my Heart
Mazzoli: Kinski Paganini
MUSICIANS
Jennifer Koh: violin
Missy Mazzoli: keyboard
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Tom Huizenga
Director/Editor: Kara Frame
Audio Technical Director: Neil Tevault
Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant
Audio Engineer: Ted Mebane
Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
Photographer: Keren Carrión
Tiny Desk Team: Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #jenniferkoh #missymazzoli
All Comments (21)
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Thank you again Tiny Desk for including fabulous contemporary chamber music composers and performers! This was sublime!!
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I saw them a few weeks ago at the Kennedy Center. I bought tickets with no knowledge of either artist as I was in town for a few hours and looking for an affordable performance to indulge in. I was bowled over by their music, their performance. They explained that they had just recorded a Tiny Desk and I was excited to be able to look forward to share my excitement at the beautiful and transportive music with friends. The set I saw included more of Missy Mazzoli's keyboard and electronic music so I will look forward to learning more about both of their creations.
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I'm not at all familiar with contemporary classical music. This was eye-opening (ear-opening?). That just by subscribing to this channel I know I'll be exposed to a wide spectrum of musicians and musical styles/genres is one of the great things about it. Thanks Tiny Desk!
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Good morning to everyone here in Brazil! I loved this presentation, Congratulations.
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wonderful peformance, many thanks for great morning inspiration! Music matters!!
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Not only did I enjoy the music, I enjoyed her energy and how she looks like an action hero. This was great. Thanks!
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I didn’t know I needed to cry, thank you for letting me let it all out to your beautiful masterpiece of artwork. 🙏🏼 🎻 ❤ Bravo 👏🏼
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Brilliant!! I love her Bach & Beyond albums.
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dissolve o my heart is one of my favourite pieces written for solo violin ever
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This is the kind of performance that just takes my mind to different places and emotions. Amazing!
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The amount of talent on display here is mind boggling
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Fantastic work, Missy! And I love how when you entered, you put your hands together in reverence. Galak Tika at heart! ❤️
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Chappell Roan's Tiny Desk wig spotted!
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loved this! vey unique duet. Love to see women in music NPR.. Bring Young Miko please 🙏
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This bouta have the hood gettin sturdy
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Well worth the wait ❤
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Kinski Paganini IS SOMETHING I HAVE NEVER EVER SEEN BEFORE.... PHENOMENAL, MAGESTIC, ONE OF A KIND!
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That just took me for a ride😮❤
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Fantastic!
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Medical healing rituals … you got me there. I love it! Open minds/open eyes to the alternative ❤✨🤍
