A Selection of Small Masterpieces in Russian Piano Music - Volume 2

Author: Bian Meng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The repertoire of Russian piano music is vast, encompassing large-scale multi-movement piano sonatas, piano suites, various small and medium-sized art solo pieces, various piano polyphonic works, as well as piano training materials from beginner to the highest professional levels, piano concertos, various piano chamber music works, and piano arrangements of symphonies, ballet music, and more. All of these are exceptionally rich. This collection is a selection of small and medium-sized masterpieces of Russian piano music. The main purpose of compiling this collection, "Selected Masterpieces of Small and Medium-Sized Russian Piano Music," is to adapt to the development of piano teaching, performance, and creative endeavors in China, and to meet the needs of learning and appreciating outstanding achievements in Russian piano music culture. Russian small and medium-sized piano pieces share many similarities with Chinese ones. Their genres are equally concise and refined, their forms rigorous, their music easily understandable, their ideas expressed with concentration and poetic imagery, and they vividly reflect the national character and sentiments, making them beloved by audiences. Moreover, such small and medium-sized classic masterpieces constitute a significant portion of Russian piano works. The main principle for compiling "Selected Masterpieces of Small and Medium-Sized Russian Piano Music" is that the selected pieces must meet one of the following four conditions: 1) Masterpieces designated as competition pieces in past domestic and international piano competitions in Russia (including the famous Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Prokofiev International Competitions); 2) Small and medium-sized works that mark a milestone in the creation of national piano music or represent a distinctive style; 3) Pieces frequently chosen by Russian pianists for solo recitals; 4) Small and medium-sized masterpieces used in piano professional teaching. A total of 59 representative piano works have been selected to serve as references for peers in the Chinese piano music community and in creation, teaching, performance, and artistic appreciation.