Sabanayev / Powell - Sabanayev: Piano Music - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Georgiy Eduardovich Conus (1862-1933) is one of the astonishing number of gifted Russian composer-pianists who helped shape what is known as the 'Silver Age' of Russian music, but whose achievements have since been obscured by the music of Rachmaninov and others. This first-ever recording of his piano music reveals a composer with his roots in Tchaikovsky, a harmonic sophistication akin to Skriabin's and an emotional range that stretches from an easy-going charm to dramatic and powerful keyboard virtuosity. Jonathan Powell has established a reputation as one of the most fearless pianists currently active, spending his concert seasons touring blockbuster piano works. In the past decade he has presented the cycle of Scriabin's ten sonatas in single concerts, Messiaen's 'Vingt regards sur l'enfant Jesus,' Albeniz's 'Iberia,' Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata, Reger's Bach Variations, and more. This is his sixth recording for Toccata Classics.

Kara Karayev is an outstanding composer of the twentieth century whose legacy is acknowledged and acclaimed far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan, his native country. With melodies that sing while telling a story, his music's moving, unforgettable expression is colored by modern, extremely expressive harmonies. All of this makes Karayev's art exceptionally complex he succeeds in creating a universe of sound that captures the audience. Kara Karayev studied violin and piano at Baku Conservatory, and went on to study composition at Moscow Conservatory in the class of Dmitri Shostakovich, who always held Karayev in the highest esteem. Most of the works presented here by pianist Elnara Ismailova have been recorded on this album for the first time in celebration of the 100th birthday of this largely unknown Azerbaidjanian composer.

That the Munich pianist Michael Schafer is making us listen to in the 17th album of the GENUIN Un!erhort! (InchUnheard of!Inch) series is unbelievable World premiere recordings of the mysterious Leonid Sabaneev are on the program. And not for the first time following a featuring the composer's chamber music and the first part of his works for piano, Schafer now presents a third brilliant recording with additional works for piano solo. This music Inchbetween all worlds, between all timesInch is glowing, animated and is played at the highest technical level. Everyone will enjoy this music- not only Russian fans and keyboard enthusiasts! Since it's founding by Michael Schafer in 2006, the Un!Erhort! Series has established itself as a highly-praised and internationally respected landmark project for the rediscovery of great- albeit forgotten- music. All the recordings published in this series have been met with the highest praise from critics of leading music magazines and forums and been awarded numerous prizes and honors. So let each new in this series stir your curiosity as a listener once more and discovery what unheard of riches from the musical cosmos still await you!