This album was recorded in Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, Hampstead, London, in February 1995, with Ken Blair as Recording Engineer and Paul Spicer as Recording Producer.
Historical Context
Glazunov's Theme and variations, Op 72, originally titled 'Variations on a Finnish Folk Song', may have had its title simplified by publisher Belaieff due to Russia's policy of Russification under Nicholas II.
Composition History
Glazunov's Three études, Op 31, were conceived separately, with the third study, 'Night', completed first in March 1889.
Composer Biography
Glazunov, the composer, was considered an indifferent pianist and had his confidence undermined after meeting Liszt in 1884.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In his Two prelude-improvisations, Glazunov, the composer, stretched tonality almost to breaking point, searching for a new musical language while still rooted in the Romantic past.
Composer Biography
Glazunov's early works, including the Miniature in C, Easy sonata, and Sonatina, were part of his studies with Rimsky-Korsakov and impressed Balakirev when Glazunov was thirteen.
Critical Reception
The Two prelude-improvisations, which show Glazunov's struggle with the new Russian avant-garde, were not published until after his death.
