Is Mily Balakirev’s “Islamey” (or Oriental Fantasy) really the most difficult piano work around, technically speaking? Andrei Gavrilov makes it sound easy. . .
“Islamey” demands the fanciest of finger work, an extraordinary range of tone color, and intensity of conviction…yet, as Tim Page also says, while it may have more notes in its relatively short (c. 8 minutes) duration, it is fun! Besides, it was written by today’s Birthday Boy; yes, Mily entered this world on January 1, 1837, according to the Gregorian calendar, that is. According to composer Connie Ellisor, a “Blackberry Winter” is a late spring frost, totally unexpected, but required if a rich blackberry harvest is to ensue. Her work features a Tennessee music box as well as a mountain dulcimer, both played by Stephan Seifert, who joins the Nashville Chamber Orchestra under Paul Gambill. More wintry music surfaces as we warm our hands at Prokofiev’s “Winter Bonfire,” an 8-movement work that describes a children’s expedition to the country, from Departure to Return, as the Finchley Children’s Music Group sings of snow outside the window, a waltz on the ice, and the bonfire, while Ronald Corp conducts the New London Orchestra. A bit later, Mozart’s Symphony No. 26 heads us towards our evening’s end, as Trevor Pinnock conducts the English Concert.
“Islamey” demands the fanciest of finger work, an extraordinary range of tone color, and intensity of conviction…yet, as Tim Page also says, while it may have more notes in its relatively short (c. 8 minutes) duration, it is fun! Besides, it was written by today’s Birthday Boy; yes, Mily entered this world on January 1, 1837, according to the Gregorian calendar, that is. According to composer Connie Ellisor, a “Blackberry Winter” is a late spring frost, totally unexpected, but required if a rich blackberry harvest is to ensue. Her work features a Tennessee music box as well as a mountain dulcimer, both played by Stephan Seifert, who joins the Nashville Chamber Orchestra under Paul Gambill. More wintry music surfaces as we warm our hands at Prokofiev’s “Winter Bonfire,” an 8-movement work that describes a children’s expedition to the country, from Departure to Return, as the Finchley Children’s Music Group sings of snow outside the window, a waltz on the ice, and the bonfire, while Ronald Corp conducts the New London Orchestra. A bit later, Mozart’s Symphony No. 26 heads us towards our evening’s end, as Trevor Pinnock conducts the English Concert.
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