Fantaisie Romantique: 19th-Century Eastern European Guitar Music
2/9/2024, 39 Tracks, 1:03:08
Featuring
James Akers
Mikhail Polupayenko
Johann Decker-Schenk
Johann Dubez
Nicolai Petrovich Makaroff
Pietro Pettoletti
Johann Kaspar Mertz
Nicolas Pavlistcheff
Did you know?
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Performer Biography
James Akers, the guitarist on this album, has performed as a soloist throughout Europe, the USA, the Middle East, and Australia, and has accompanied leading singers and instrumental groups.
Historical Context
The town of Bakhmut, where composer Mikhail Polupayenko gave his last concert in 1902, is now known to Westerners for its resistance during the 2022 Russian invasion.
Instruments
The terms 'six-string' or 'seven-string' in Russian sources refer to the instrument's tuning, not the actual number of strings, as both types often had additional bass strings.
Composer Biography
Mikhail Polupayenko, a composer featured on this album, studied medicine but was better known as a concertizing guitarist, performing across Ukraine.
Instruments
The album features music for the European six-string guitar, which was a minority instrument in 19th-century Russia where the seven-string 'Russian guitar' was more common.
Composer Biography
Pietro Pettoletti, an Italian-born composer on this album, settled in St. Petersburg and learned the seven-string guitar to gain popularity in his new environment.
Compositional Technique
Nikolai Makaroff, a lexicographer and guitar enthusiast, was primarily interested in technical virtuosity, which is evident in his compositions that feature fast passages and high notes after a brief theme.
