Aleksander Tansman, the composer, was born in Łódź, Poland, in 1897 to an affluent family and was exposed to arts and languages from a young age.
Composition History
Tansman's 1932-33 round-the-world tour inspired his work 'Le Tour du Monde en Miniature' for solo piano, which evokes different musical cultures as 'sonic postcards.'
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tansman developed a concept called 'folklore imaginé,' where he used the general melodic contour of folk themes rather than direct quotes, similar to Bartók or Manuel de Falla.
Composition History
Tansman's early compositions, written by age sixteen, were in the style of Chopin and Grieg, and he considered musical creation an escape from daily routine.
Composer Biography
Tansman became friends with George Gershwin, an American composer, during his 1927-28 US tour, and Gershwin helped him become familiar with jazz music.
Composer Biography
In 1919, Tansman won first, second, and third prize in the Polish National Music Competition, organized under Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a renowned Polish pianist and statesman.
Performer Biography
Maria Argentiero, the pianist on this recording, graduated with honors and special mention from the Conservatory of Music Paisiello in Taranto, Italy, in 2007.
You might also enjoy...
Bernstein: Complete Solo Piano Music
The Piano Music of Frank Bridge, Vol. 2
Bridge: Piano Music, Vol. 1
Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2: II. Danza de la Moza Danosa
Helen Hopekirk: The Seal-woman's Sea-joy
Bernhard Sekles: Fanasietten Op.42 - Andantino
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87: No. 2a, Prelude in A Minor
