Kara Karayev, an Azerbaijani composer, studied composition at the Moscow Conservatory with Dmitri Shostakovich, who held him in high esteem.
Composition History
The 24 Preludes were not composed as a single, finished opus, but rather as four separate volumes released over time, serving as a musical diary that accompanied his other works.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Karayev believed children should learn music's basic notes alongside the alphabet and colors, to enrich and diversify their outlook, fostering a sensitivity for hue, timbre, harmony, and melody.
Performer Biography
Elnara Ismailova, the pianist on this album, was admitted to a special school for musically gifted children at age five in Baku, Azerbaijan, and later won prizes in youth music competitions across the USSR.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Karayev's works, spanning diverse genres and drawing on themes from various historical periods and cultures, reflect his broad, inclusive style and make him a "citizen of the world."
Compositional Technique
Karayev's music is characterized by a blend of traditional Azerbaijani mugham, classical harmony, and even twelve-tone technique, making his art exceptionally complex.
Compositional Technique
Karayev's 24 Preludes use his own unique key system, following the circle of fifths and alternating major and minor keys, which creates strong inner cohesion and highlights harmonic contrasts.
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