Welcome to G. Henle Publishers, dear Maestro Kissin! We are honoured and proud to be able to publish the first three opuses by world-renowned, inspired pianist Evgeny Kissin, who for some years now has turned to composing in earnest. The first of these compositions – which, with this author, ought to surprise no one – is a cycle of four piano pieces. The “Toccata”, an insanely virtuosic tour de force in a jazz-inspired idiom, has already occasionally been heard performed as an encore at his concerts. With their titles, “Meditation” and “Dodecaphonic Tango” perfectly illustrate the respective moods of these expressive character pieces. The unpretentious “Intermezzo” grants performer and audience a brief moment of contemplation before the “Toccata”.
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- Level of difficulty (Explanation)
- Other titles with this level of difficulty
- Four Piano Pieces op. 1
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Kissin tells us that he began this work in 1986, but abandoned it early on, returning to it a few years ago and moulding it into its fantastical present state; it’s an absolute firecracker! ... Henle have certainly done him proud too, with a lovely score that appears in their standard house style, which of course musicians everywhere love. After the title page, the four pieces appear in order, spaciously and beautifully presented. Kissin’s writing is detailed, with precise performing directions throughout. ... Congratulations must go too, to G. Henle Verlag for recognising Kissin’s talent as a creator, taking a leap by supporting a contemporary composer as they already so wonderfully do the established core classics. Bravo indeed!