Balakirev

[pianowelsh]

Hi again.

Could someone - perhaps a specialist in Russian music or someone who studied in russian OR has a russian teacher currently.. post a list of the lesser know works of Balakirev with approximate durations. I'd really like to know more about his solo piano output but unless you speak Russian many of the gems are not public domain. Help please

[thalbergmad]

My knowledge is not great, but here are the scores for your perusal.

https://www.megaupload.com/?d=VSO635LN

My file on him is not complete but maybe close.

Please excuse the duplications.

The 2 concerto's are gems and so is the Sonata. His transcription of the Larghetto from the Chopin Concerto is genius.

I love Balakirev.

Thal

[pianowelsh]

thanks for your Link Thal. Will study these when I get a moment.

[jakev2.0]

Balakirev's Piano Sonata is one of the greatest and most original ever written, in my opinion. Certainly the greatest Russian sonata before Scriabin/Prokofiev.  Islamey is justly famous. The second Scherzo is filled with beautiful themes and is very exciting.

[burstroman]

He wrote a nice Sonatina that I would like to find.

[pianowelsh]

what about small pieces???

[jre58591]

balakirev actually has two piano sonatas, both of which are in the same key. both are gems worth studying and/or playing. the concertos are good too. his transcriptions arent as good though, save for that chopin larghetto.

[pianowelsh]

cool , thanks!  Any SMALLER pieces??

[jre58591]

he has quite a few smaller pieces. some of his transcriptions are quite manageable, time-wise and difficulty-wise. he also has some smaller pieces, such as scherzos, nocturnes, a dunka, ręverie, and a few other miniatures.

[pianowelsh]

a 'dunka' - im curious. Could you tell us a bit more about this??