This recording was supported by the National Cultural Fund of Hungary, the Council of New Buda (Mayor of the XIth District of Budapest), and the Buda House of Arts.
Compositional Technique
Sándor Balassa's 'Letters from the Reservation' was originally written for the cimbalom, a dulcimer played with hammers, and is performed here on the piano with the composer's consent.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sándor Balassa believes music, whether a small or large piece, must be whole, beautiful, interesting, and appealing, sounding natural as if it always existed.
Performer Biography
István Kassai, the pianist on this recording, has won several international competitions, including the Paris International Debussy Piano Competition in 1982, and received prestigious awards like the 'Ferenc Liszt' Prize in 2001.
Album & Artwork
This album is a world premiere recording of Sándor Balassa's complete piano music, featuring István Kassai on piano.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Sándor Balassa's piano works, particularly the easier ones like 'Ládafia' (From an Old Chest), are intended for piano education, inspired by Schumann's 'Album für die Jugend' and Bartók's 'Gyermekeknek' (For Children).
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