Prelude in D Phrygian - Javanese (2025)

Unlike other classical or some modern classical repertoires, the composition is neither in major nor minor key, but in the one of the mode series, which sounds quite similar like a minor key, namely a phrygian scale in D. Theoretically, this mode scale is based on the 3rd degree after the initial note in major keys (which is called Ionian scale) where the 2nd and the 6th note are altered lower in semitone. Coincidentally this D phrygian sounds quite similar as in the gamelan pentatonic. Therefore it is nicknamed “Javanese” due to the usage of this gamelan pentatonic and its sound. The composition is actually written on request by the most well-known and young great pianist in the 21st century Daniel Alexander Adipradhana (   / @danz_pianist  . Born in Surabaya but grew up in Surakarta, which is the centre of the strong and prominent Javanese culture after Yogyakarta. This is the reason why this composition is written with such music, because it shows the cultural identity of Surakarta as the centre of the Javanese culture. In this composition, the composer tries to demonstrate the sound of the gamelan with several ways, e.g. the pedal notes represent the sound of bonang and saron as the accompaniment function; another parts with extended techniques like slamming the lower inner strings are present to create the gong sound at gamelan. ABOUT THE PIANIST Daniel Adipradhana is a highly sought-after collaborative pianist in Indonesia. Trained at the Jakarta Conservatory of Music and the Royal College of Music (RCM) in London— where he earned a Master of Performance in Collaborative Piano with Distinction—he has honed his craft under world-renowned mentors, including Iswargia R. Soedarno, Harimada Kusuma, Simon Lepper, Roger Vignoles, and Julius Drake. His artistry has taken him across the globe, performing in prestigious venues from Oxford’s Holywell Music Room to London’s National Gallery, while earning accolades such as the Grand Prize at the Basel International Online Music Competition 2025 and first prize in the Joan Chissell Schumann Competition. Beyond his accomplishments as a performer, Daniel is deeply passionate about education and collaboration. He has worked with leading musicians in masterclasses, from Susan Manoff to Graham Johnson, and has been a SongEasel Young Artist, performing at the Oxford Proms. As a dedicated educator, he teaches at The Resonanz Music Studio and Bina Musik Jakarta, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Whether accompanying world-class singers, delving into musical theatre, or conducting orchestral works, Daniel’s warmth, skill, and unwavering dedication to music shine through in every endeavor.