Kabalevsky: The Complete Works for Piano & Orchestra - Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4

Francis, Alun, Korstick, Michael, NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover

CPO 777 658-2

Although Dmitri Kabalevsky is ranked with Shostakovich and Prokofiev among the former Soviet Union's leading composers, he is relatively unknown to today's listening public. Factors not immediately related to his music have played a role in the reception of his oeuvre. First, even today he continues to be regarded as the author of »didactic music« and to reap scorn from many Russians, who term him a »Pioneer musician.« Second, in his role as an archconservative censorship authority close to the regime, he of course did not win any popularity contests. As a composer, however, he was neither a philosophical seeker nor an innovator; he corresponded more to the type of the »natural-born musician.« His natural talent for catchy melodies, clear structures, and drive appealing to listening audiences made it easy for him to write music pleasantly tickling the ears on a first hearing and holding its own on later critical analysis. This is masterfully written music of great appeal and full of wit and charm. Kabalevsky's works for piano and orchestra documenting all the stages of his development and reflecting them exemplarily without a doubt form the center of his oeuvre.

CD x 2

CPO

6/26/12

761203765829

Fanfare: 'Want List' (2013)