Sergei Taneyev was one of the few successful composers taught by Tchaikovsky and even challenged Tchaikovsky's views, as shown in their rich correspondence.
Historical Context
The Rubinstein brothers, Anton and Nikolay, initiated a program in 1859 to professionalize Russian musical life, which involved a strong degree of Germanization.
Composer Biography
Anton Arensky, a pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov, fell under the influence of Tchaikovsky, which displeased his former teacher.
Historical Context
Chamber music in 19th-century Russia was generally considered secondary to opera, symphony, and song, and to trends in Western and Central Europe.
Performer Biography
Piers Lane, the pianist on this recording, has performed in over forty countries and is an Officer in the Order of Australia for his distinguished services to the arts.
Composer Biography
Sergei Taneyev was a teetotaller, a confirmed bachelor, and an intellectual with interests ranging from ancient Greeks to Esperanto, a rare figure in Russian music.
Composer Biography
Anton Arensky and Sergei Taneyev, the composers on this album, were both based at the Moscow Conservatoire and were remembered more as teachers than composers.
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