Frederic Rzewski, The People United Will Never Be Defeated, concert, Megaron, The Athens Concert Hall, Athens, documenta 14, photo: Fotis Plegas
The People United Will Never Be Defeated! is a set of 36 variations on the melody of the Chilean popular song “El pueblo unido jamás será vencido!” by Sergio Ortega and Quilapayún (1973). The song is one of many written during the period between 1960 and 1973, not long before the fall of Salvador Allende’s government. Rzewski composed his variations in 1975 as a tribute to the Chilean people’s struggle against the oppressive regime that followed. The concert opens with the composer interpreting two pieces by Cornelius Cardew.
Cornelius Cardew: Thälmann Variations and We Sing For The Future!
Frederic Rzewski: The People United Will Never Be Defeated!
Performed by Frederic Rzewski, piano
A coproduction of documenta 14 and The Athens Concert Hall Organization
