Nikolay Roslavets, the composer, invented a 'new system of tone organisation' or 'synthetic chords' to master the 'chaos of chromaticism', which some critics compared to dodecaphonic music.
Historical Context
Nikolay Roslavets, the composer, was a victim of ideological purges in the Soviet Union, forced to repent for 'political mistakes' and subjected to a 'witch hunt' by Proletarian Musicians.
Compositional Technique
Roslavets' system for tone organization was developed earlier and independently of dodecaphonic composers, and was based on more flexible ideas, aiming for 'new rhythmic formulae' and 'new counterpoint'.
Performer Biography
Olga Andryushchenko, the pianist on this album, has won numerous international piano competitions, including the 'Franz Schubert and the Music of Modernity' in Austria and the Bach Competition in Leipzig.
Historical Context
After the 1917 October Revolution, Nikolay Roslavets, the composer, had to hide facts about his life to survive, as his family was wealthy and he was involved with a proscribed political party.
Recording & Production
Several pieces on this album, including 'Berceuse', 'Danse', 'Valse', and a 'Prélude', are world premiere recordings, with the 'Valse' and one 'Prélude' reconstructed by Marina Lobanova.
Composer Biography
Igor Stravinsky, a famous Russian composer, called Nikolay Roslavets, the composer on this album, 'the most interesting Russian composer of the 20th century'.
