Mosolov's piano sonatas are described as having dramatic power and sombre tone colours, making them almost symphonic in texture and presenting formidable technical challenges.
Critical Reception
Sergei Prokofiev, after a 1927 concert tour of the Soviet Union, praised Alexander Mosolov as the most interesting of Russia's new talents.
Composer Biography
During the October Revolution, Mosolov volunteered for the Red Army but was medically discharged in 1921 due to what is now called post-traumatic stress disorder.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Alexander Scriabin, who died in 1915, still exerted a powerful influence on young composers like Mosolov, who admired his 'hothouse exoticisms' and keyboard virtuosity.
Composer Biography
Alexander Mosolov, a driving force in experimental Soviet music, was expelled from the Composers' Union in 1936, ostensibly for treating waiters badly during a drunken brawl.
Historical Context
Mosolov was arrested in 1937 for 'counter-revolutionary activities' and sentenced to eight years, though he was released after eight months through the help of colleagues.
Composer Biography
Mosolov's mother, a professional singer at the Bolshoi Theatre, cultivated a cosmopolitan outlook, ensuring he grew up speaking French and German in addition to Russian.
You might also enjoy...
George Walker: Piano Sonatas
Dialogue
Barber & Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas
Reale: Piano Sonata No. 1 / Dance Sonata / Copland: Piano Blues Nos. 1-4 / Piano Fantasy
