Balakirev is one of the representatives of the "Mighty Handful", a musical community that has united the most talented and progressive people of its time. The contribution of Balakirev and his companions to the development of Russian music is undeniable, many traditions and techniques of composition and performance continued their improvement in the work of the composers' galaxy of the late 19th century.
Grand piano - faithful ally
Mily Alekseevich Balakirev - Russian composer and pianist
Mily Balakirev in many respects became the continuation of Liszt’s traditions in piano art. Contemporaries noted his extraordinary style of playing the piano and impeccable pianism, which included a virtuoso technique and deep insight into the meaning of the played and style. Despite the fact that many of his later piano works were lost in the dust of centuries, it was this instrument that allowed him to declare himself at the very beginning of his creative career.
For a composer and performer at an early stage it is very important to get the opportunity to show your talent, to find your listener. In the case of Balakirev, the first step was the performance of a piano concerto in F-sharp minor on the university stage in St. Petersburg. This experience allowed him to attend creative evenings and opened the way to secular society.
Piano Heritage Review
Balakirev's piano work can be divided into two spheres - these are pieces of a virtuoso-concert plan and salon miniatures. Balakirev's masterly plays are, first of all, the processing of themes from the works of Russian and foreign composers, or the development of folk themes. He is the author of the treatment of "Aragon Jota" by Glinka, his "March of Chernomore", Cavatina from the Beethoven quartet, the well-known "Song of the Lark" by Glinka. These plays received the vocation of the public, they used the richness of the piano palette in full force, were filled with complex techniques that added to the performance of the brightness and sense of excitement.
The famous “Lark” by Glinka-Balakirev ...
Concert arrangements for piano 4 hands are also of research interest, these are "Prince Kholmsky", "Camarinsky", "Aragon Jota", "Night in Madrid" by Glinka, 30 Russian folk songs, Suite in 3 parts, play "On the Volga".
Characteristic features of creativity
Perhaps the fundamental feature of Balakirev's work can be considered an interest in folk themes, national motives. The composer not only thoroughly familiarized himself with Russian songs and dances, then weaving their motifs into his work, he brought from travels and themes of other nations. He especially liked the melody of the Circassian, Tatar, Georgian people, oriental flavor. This trend was not spared by Balakirev's piano works.
"Islamey"
The most famous and still performed work of Balakirev for piano is the fantasy Islamey. It was written in 1869, executed at the same time, by the author. This play was a success not only at home but also abroad. She was highly appreciated by Franz Liszt, performing in concerts and introducing her to his many students.
Islamey - Oriental Fantasy for Piano ...
"Islamey" is a bright virtuoso piece, which is based on two contrasting themes. The work begins with a monophonic line, with the theme of Kabardian dancing. Her energetic rhythm gives elasticity and a sense of continuous development of musical material. Gradually, the texture is complicated, enriched by double notes, chords, martellate techniques.
Having reached the climax, after a poetic modulation transition, the composer gives a calm Oriental theme, which he heard from a representative of the Tatar people. Melody winds, enriched by the ornament and alternating harmony.
Gradually reaching the top, the lyrical feeling breaks off the forcing movement of the original theme. The music moves along the growth of the dynamics and complexity of the texture, reaching its apotheosis at the end of the play.
Less known works
Among the composer’s piano heritage, his piano sonata in B flat minor, written in 1905, is worth noting. It consists of 4 parts, the characteristics characteristic of Balakirev here are the mazurka rhythms in 2 parts, the presence of virtuoso cadenzas, and the dance character of the final.
The less salient parts of his piano heritage are separate salon pieces of the late period, including waltzes, mazurkas, polkas, lyric pieces ("Dumka", "Gondolier's Song", "In the Garden"). They did not say a new word in art, only by repeating the author’s favorite compositional techniques — a variation theory, a melody of themes, and harmonic turns used more than once.
Balakirev's piano work deserves the close attention of musicologists, since it bears the imprint of an era. Artists can discover the pages of virtuoso music, which will help master the art of technology at the piano.
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