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About this Release

Catalogue No.: GP714

Release Date: October 2016

Barcode: 747313971428

Composer(s): Mily Alexeyevich Balakirev

Artist(s): Nicholas Walker

“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

Link(s):

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

Mazurka No. 1 in A-Flat Major (1861) (00:04:03)

Mazurka No. 2 in C-Sharp Minor (1884) (00:02:27)

Piano Sonatina in G Major, "Esquisses" (1909) (00:05:26 )

I. Allegro moderato (00:02:02)

II. L'Istesso tempo (00:01:51)

III. Coda: Poco a poco più agitato (00:01:32)

Berceuse in D-Flat Major (1901) (00:06:30)

Mazurka No. 3 in B Minor (1886) (00:05:27)

Mazurka No. 4 in G-Flat Major (1886) (00:05:02)

Dumka in E-Flat Minor, "Complainte" (1900) (00:05:14)

Mazurka No. 5 in C-Sharp Major (1884 version, completed by N. Walker) (1900) * (00:05:27)

Rêverie in F Major (1903) (00:05:41)

Humoresque in D Major (1903) (00:04:53)

Mazurka No. 6 in A-Flat Major (1902) (00:06:21)

Piece in F-Sharp Minor (1851, 2nd version completed by N. Walker) (1851) * (00:03:19)

Mazurka No. 7 in E-Flat Minor (1906) (00:06:57)

Capriccio in D Major (1902) (00:09:43)

* World Première Recording

Total Time: 01:16:29

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 Denton

Also Available

“Nicholas Walker serves this music with brio, without any loss of intensity” — Diapason

“I have no doubt that Walker’s series will replace Paley as the reference set for Balakirev and expect the journey towards its completion will be quite enjoyable.” — American Record Guide

“Very special piano music, virtuosic, intelligent and sparkling. Highly recommended.” — Stretto

“Walker’s playing throughout this absorbing disc is a pleasure to hear, with a sophisticated tonal palette and eschewing any superficial virtuosity: ‘bravura with integrity’ is how I would describe it.” — Gramophone

“Walker’s performances offer more shaping, refinement, sense of line, color, and depth of tone” — Fanfare

“He’s [Walker] obviously one this country’s best kept secrets. His stunning virtuosity, accomplished musicality and stylish readings do true justice to these wonderful scores. The two recording venues offer an acoustic and ambience that, in my view, couldn’t be bettered.” — MusicWeb International