About this Release
“Although I learnt Islamey as a student, it was many years before I began to examine Balakirev’s other works, a rich revelation of Russian subtlety, virtuosity and poetry. Through these recordings I hope to restore this neglected composer to his rightful place. In the course of the project I have discovered some completely unknown works, including two unfinished pieces, which I have completed for this disc. One never tires of Balakirev’s music: the more one plays it, the more one sees in it.” — Nicholas Walker
- Visit the Album Mini-Site
- Nicholas Walker plays Balakirev's Humoresque in D major
- Nicholas Walker plays Balakirev's Mazurka No. 5 in C-sharp major
- Nicholas Walker plays Balakirev's Piece in F-sharp minor
- Listen to FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE: RUSSIAN PIANO MUSIC on Spotify
- Listen to ROMANTIC PIANO on Spotify
BALAKIREV, MILI ALEKSEYEVICH (1837–1910)
Complete Piano Works • 3
Mazurkas and Other Works
- Nicholas Walker, piano
This third volume of Balakirev’s complete piano music centres on the sequence of seven Mazurkas, infectiously lively pieces full of Slavic atmosphere and colour. The Humoresque in D major reveals his virtuosic flair whilst the Dumka in E flat minor uses improvisational elements to evoke the Russian landscape and the timelessness of village life. The Sonatina in G major was Balakirev’s last completed work and a joyous finale to a richly creative life. Reviewing Volume 2 [GP713], American Record Guide predicted that Walker’s series would become “the reference set for Balakirev”.
This recording was made on a modern instrument: Steinway, Model D
Tracklist
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1
Mazurka No. 1 in A-Flat Major (1861) (00:04:03)
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2
Mazurka No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor (1884) (00:02:27)
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Piano Sonatina in G Major, "Esquisses" (1909) (00:05:26 )
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3
I. Allegro moderato (00:02:02)
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4
II. L'Istesso tempo (00:01:51)
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5
III. Coda: Poco a poco più agitato (00:01:32)
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6
Berceuse in D-Flat Major (1901) (00:06:30)
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7
Mazurka No. 3 in B Minor (1886) (00:05:27)
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8
Mazurka No. 4 in G-Flat Major (1886) (00:05:02)
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9
Dumka in E-Flat Minor, "Complainte" (1900) (00:05:14)
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10
Mazurka No. 5 in C-Sharp Major (1884 version, completed by N. Walker) (1900) * (00:05:27)
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11
Rêverie in F Major (1903) (00:05:41)
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12
Humoresque in D Major (1903) (00:04:53)
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13
Mazurka No. 6 in A-Flat Major (1902) (00:06:21)
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14
Piece in F-Sharp Minor (1851, 2nd version completed by N. Walker) (1851) * (00:03:19)
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15
Mazurka No. 7 in E-Flat Minor (1906) (00:06:57)
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16
Capriccio in D Major (1902) (00:09:43)
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The Artist(s)
Nicholas Walker studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Moscow Conservatoire. Winner of the first Newport International Piano competition, he has performed with major British orchestras, given recitals worldwide, and recorded for the BBC, BMG Arte Nova, ASV, Chandos and Danacord labels. The Composer(s)
A brilliant pianist, improviser, noted conductor and selfless champion of other composers, Balakirev is surprisingly little known today. Yet as leader of the Russian composers known as ‘The Mighty Handful’, Rimsky-Korsakov, Mussorgsky, Borodin and Cui, he strongly influenced not only their work but also that of Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky, setting the standard by which others were judged. In addition to a large output of piano music and songs, Balakirev wrote two symphonies, several symphonic poems, works for piano and orchestra, choral music and incidental music for Shakespeare’s King Lear. Reviews
“Walker…returns to delight us with his high-level pianism, which does not overlook a single detail despite the intricacy of writing.” – Ritmo
“Joyous and colourful pieces with an unmistakable Slavic tone… This series continues to establish Walker as the new reference for Balakirev's music.” – Musiq3
“Throughout the disc, you are conscious of the affinity and affection for this music from Nicholas Walker, one of Balakirev’s foremost champions. Though much appears unchallenging, it is a feel that is misleading, as it falls beyond the range of amateur pianists, with the Capriccio a virtuoso showpiece. As with the previous releases, I most strongly commend the disc to you.” – David’s Review Corner
Also Available
Grand Piano has gained a reputation for producing high quality recordings of rare keyboard gems. Dedicated to the exploration of undiscovered piano repertoire, the label specialises in complete cycles of piano works by many lesser-known composers, whose output might otherwise have remained unknown and unrecorded.
- info@grandpianorecords.com
