The 24 Préludes, Op.17, dedicated to Nadezhda Rimskaya-Korsakova, wife of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, follow the same key scheme as Chopin's 24 Préludes, Op.28, covering all twenty-four keys.
Composer's Artistic Vision
While rooted in the Russian Romantic tradition, Blumenfeld's piano writing is influenced by Chopin, Adolf von Henselt, and Franz Liszt, with later works showing Wagner's influence and bolder chromaticism.
Composer Biography
Blumenfeld studied composition with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a prominent Russian composer, and piano with Theodor Stein at the St. Petersburg Conservatory.
Composer Biography
Felix Blumenfeld, the composer, was a virtuoso pianist, celebrated conductor, and renowned teacher whose students included Vladimir Horowitz.
Performer Biography
Mark Viner, the pianist on this recording, is known for his exploration of lesser-known piano literature and is Chairman of both the Alkan Society and the Liszt Society.
Composition History
Blumenfeld's publisher, Mitrofan Belyayev, a Russian music publisher, published 50 out of 54 of his works after meeting him in 1884.
Composer Biography
Blumenfeld was the first cousin once removed of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski, as their grandfathers were brothers.
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