Composer: Mily Balakirev
Performer: Nicholas Walker
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Grand Piano
Catalogue: GP713
Release: 2016
Size: 1.17 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
01. Waltz No. 1 in G – Valse di Bravura
02. Nocturne No. 1 in B flat minor
03. Waltz No. 2 in F minor
04. Waltz No. 3 in D – Valse Impromptu
05. Nocturne No. 2 in B minor
06. Waltz No.4 in B flat
07. Nocturne No. 3 in D minor
08. Waltz No. 5 in D flat major
09. Nocturne in G-Sharp Minor
10. Fantasy Piece in D-Flat Major
11. Waltz No. 6 in F sharp minor
12. Chant du pêcheur
13. Waltz No. 7 in G sharp minor
Mili Alekseyevich Balakirev was the influential leader of the Russian ‘Mighty Handful’ of composers that set the standard by which others were judged. Revealing both Balakirev’s admiration of Chopin and love of music with a deeply Russian character, this programme ranges widely from new discoveries such as the early Nocturne in G sharp minor to one of his last pieces, the heroic Seventh Waltz. There are also beautifully simple gems such as the Chant du Pêcheur and works of technical brilliance such as the Valse de concert and the magnificent and visionary Second Nocturne.
Nicholas Walker studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Moscow Conservatoire. Winner of the first Newport International Piano competition, he has performed with major British Orchestras, given recitals worldwide, and recorded for the BBC, BMG Arte Nova, ASV, Chandos and Danacord labels. He is best known for championing the neglected leader of ‘The Mighty Handful’, Mili Alekseyevich Balakirev. In 2010 he organized the Balakirev Centenary concerts in London. He also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music.