Glazunov A. Pieces for piano

Alexander Konstantinovich Glazunov (1865–1936) is truly recognized as the jewell in the crown of the «silver age», the really significant period in the Russian culture. It was piano to be his passion for good. Glazunov’s fruitful and diverse creative work evinced both in large-scaled canvases (concertos, sonatas, fantasies, variations) and miniatures. Balakirev, Borodin and Liszt stirred his executive manner. Although the composer wasn’t virtuoso, he could penetrate into piano abilities. Hence his opuses are tasteful and brilliant altogether.

The pieces entering this collection refer to the end of 1880ies — the beginning of 1890ies. The Prelude D major op. 25 № 1 was composed on January 24, 1888. It’s dedicated to Maria Viktorovna Blumenfeld  Anastasyeva, wife of the distinguished Russian pianist, composer and conductor, professor of Petersburg Conservatoire Felix Mikhailovich Blumenfeld. The «Night» op. 31 № 3 was completed on March 22, 1889 and dedicated also to her. Initially Glazunov invented the title «Lullaby».

The Waltz D major op. 42 № 3 was completed on March 15, 1893, being dedicated to M-lle and m-mme Achille Alferaki. The Gavotte D major op. 49 № 3 dates 1894 being dedicated to the distinguished pianist Anna Nikolayevna Yesipova (1851–1914), professor of the St Petersburg Conservatoire.

Contents:

NIGHT. Etude, op. 31, № 3
WALTZ, op. 42, № 3
PRELUDE, op. 25, № 1
GAVOTTE, op. 49, № 3