Kabalevsky was one of the few significant Soviet composers not censored by the notorious Zhdanov Decree of 1948, due to the official approval of his work in theatre and cinema.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kabalevsky's most lasting achievement was likely in music education, developing a music program in schools and creating extensive piano and choral works for children.
Composer Biography
Dmitry Borisovich Kabalevsky, an equivocal figure in Soviet-era Russian music, studied at the Moscow Conservatory with Nikolay Myaskovsky and Alexander Goldenweiser.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded at Beall Concert Hall, University of Oregon School of Music & Dance, from December 14-16, 2007.
Composer Biography
Kabalevsky achieved international success in the 1930s with his Second Symphony, championed by conductors like Arturo Toscanini and Malcolm Sargent, and the opera Colas Breugnon.
Performer Biography
The pianist on this album, Alexandre Dossin, was awarded both the First Prize and the Special Prize at the Martha Argerich International Piano Competition in 2003.
Compositional Technique
Kabalevsky's 24 Preludes (1943-4) draw on Chopin's model of alternating major and minor keys, and also derive melodic material from folk-songs to express his Russian identity during wartime.
