Knaifel A. Notturno. 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 musical content of the piexe suggests the image of night-time Petersburg as perceived by a sensitive child's soul. The tranquil, measured lulling rhythm and the tender coloring create an aura of an airy barcarolle.

The author wrote the “Notturno” for three hands (the teacher and a beginner student) on one or two pianos, it may also be played by one more advanced young pianist.