Knaifel A. A Fawn. For piano (Coll. Works)

Alexander Knaifel (born 1943) is one of the most eminent modern composers. A “Petersburger by nationality”, he was educated at the Special Musical School of the Leningrad Conservatory (1950–1961), the Moscow (1961–1963) and Leningrad (1963–1967) Conservatories. He lists Mstislav Rostropovich, the poet Sergei Vakulenko and the Surozh metropolitan Antonii amongst his teachers.

The lyrical piece “A Fawn” is based on the melody of an unpublished vocal composition (1962), which later was included in Alice in Wonderland (1994–2002). The melody in this laconic monophonic piece without words stands out as the sole means of expression.

The name of the piece symbolizes an image of beauty, tremulousness and natural grace. The pure melody develops leisurely, acquiring dance-like features (revealing the rhythm of the mazurka).