Stephan Elmas dedicated his Six Études (1881) to Franz Liszt and several pieces to Victor Hugo.
Mikael Ayrapetyan, the pianist on this album, is known for popularizing Armenian classical music globally through his 'Secrets of Armenia' project.
Mikael Ayrapetyan received the State Prize of the Republic of Armenia for his significant contributions to Armenian classical music.
Stephan Elmas, the composer, traveled to Weimar in 1879 hoping to audition for Franz Liszt, who then advised him to study in Vienna.
After contracting typhoid fever in 1897, Stephan Elmas suffered hearing deterioration and eventually became completely deaf.
Stephan Elmas, the composer, was a child prodigy who gave a piano recital of Liszt's works at age 13.
Most of Stephan Elmas's works housed in Smyrna were lost during the Great Fire of Smyrna in 1922, which followed the Turkish occupation of the city.
