Russian Piano Music Series, Vol. 12: Sergei Bortkiewicz

Featuring

Alfonso Soldano
Sergei Bortkiewicz

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Recording & Production

This recording was made in the Concert Hall of the European Arts Academy 'Aldo Ciccolini' in Trani, Italy, on March 19, 2016.

Historical Context

The First World War and the Russian Revolution forced Bortkiewicz, a Russian, to flee Germany and later his family estate in Ukraine, eventually arriving penniless in Constantinople.

Historical Context

During World War II, the performance of Russian music was prohibited in 1941, and most of Bortkiewicz's printed compositions were destroyed in the bombing of Leipzig in 1943.

Composer Biography

Sergei Bortkiewicz, born in Ukraine, received his musical training at the Imperial Conservatory of Music in St Petersburg and later in Leipzig.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bortkiewicz considered himself a romantic and a melodist, disliking modern, atonal, and cacophonous music.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bortkiewicz's music, while not innovative, built upon the styles of Chopin and Liszt, with influences from early Scriabin and Rachmaninov.

Performer Biography

Alfonso Soldano, the pianist on this album, is recognized for his deep sound and virtuosity, and was a long-time student of the legendary Italian-French pianist Aldo Ciccolini.