The three composers featured on this album—Arvo Pärt, Valentin Silvestrov, and Giya Kancheli—are described by the pianist as her favorites, each having invented their own musical language and artistic world in the 20th century.
Instruments
Pianist Polina Osetinskaya performs on a Steinway & Sons Model D piano for this recording.
Performer Biography
Polina Osetinskaya, the pianist, began playing the music of Giya Kancheli, one of the featured composers, with clarinetist Julian Milkis, for whom Kancheli had transcribed his Miniatures.
Historical Context
The album's program, titled 'Simple Music,' was created by Polina Osetinskaya in May 2022 because it provided necessary solace during a difficult time, helping her to survive when "the world fell apart."
Recording & Production
This album was recorded from October 22 to 24, 2023, at Myasnikov's Concert Hall in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Interpretation
Giya Kancheli, a composer on this album, once told pianist Polina Osetinskaya that she played his music "as if you had written it," after she feared being scolded for mistakes during a live broadcast.
