Volkmann: Piano Works

Featuring

Levon Avagyan
Robert Volkmann

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Composer Biography

Robert Volkmann, the composer, was trained in music by his father and learned to play piano and organ, and by age twelve was proficient in violin and cello.

Composer Biography

Volkmann moved to Leipzig in 1836 to study with Carl Ferdinand Becker, an organist and director of the Conservatory's organ department, where he met Schumann and attended Mendelssohn's Gewandhaus concerts.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Volkmann aimed to be neither a 'musician of the future' nor old-fashioned, but simply himself, stating, 'people find it hard to forgive such a lack of principle.'

Composer Biography

Volkmann dedicated his Piano Trio in B flat minor, Op. 5, to Franz Liszt, who was impressed and performed it with Joseph Joachim.

Composer Biography

Volkmann cultivated a friendship with Johannes Brahms during his time in Vienna from 1854 to 1858, which mutually benefited their careers and rekindled Volkmann's enthusiasm for composing.

Composition History

Many of the works on this album, including the 6 Fantasiebilder, Op. 1, Deutsche Tanzweisen, Op. 18, 4 Marches, Op. 22, and Lieder der Großmutter, Op. 27, are world premiere recordings.

Performer Biography

Levon Avagyan, the pianist on this album, won First Prize, the Audience Prize, and several special awards at the Maria Canals International Music Competition in Barcelona in 2017.