It's rather hard to stop the show of piano albums for children. Everything seems to be at music teachers' fingertips. Just remember such creams of crops as “Children's Album” by P. I. Tchaikovsky, “Album for the Young” by R. Schumann, “Children's Corner” by C. Debussy, “Children's Music” by S. Prokofiev, “Dolls' Dances” by D. Shostakovich, “Microcosm” by B. Bartok, “From Five to Fifty” by S. Slonimsky etc.
The “Musical Pictures to H. Ch. Andersen's Tales” composed by Sergei Bortkevich shall doubtlessly hit the jackpot among both teachers and young pianists plucking their heartstrings. Twelve colourful exquisite piano miniatures depict diverse imaginative sphere created by the great Danish writer. Certainly this collection shall stand the test of time, for it was invented by the brilliant executant and teacher.
The name of Sergei Eduardovich Bortkevich (1877–1952), disciple of A. K. Lyadov, was given to oblivion during the Soviet period. Leaving Russia in 1920 he was dwelling in Vienna to the end of his life. The compositions of our endowed compatriot are returned to us. Luisa Panikashvili, teacher of the Petersburg Okhta Aesthetic centre, is trying her best to make this music undergo its never extinguishing flourishment.
CONTENTS:
1. Princess with the Pea
2. Bell
3. Hardy Tin Soldier
4. Angel
5. Little Ida's Flowers. Flowers' waltz
6. Nightingale
7. It is Quite Certain
8. The Child in the Grave
9. Butterfly
10. Ugly Duckling
11. Golden Treasur
12. Bronze Boar