Kabalevsky Piano Works, 30 April, 2001

Dimitri Kabalevsky (1904-1987) has remained neglected by the West as a 20th century composer despite the fall of communism in the former USSR. Kabalevsky's piano music is indenialbly fresh, delightful and fun. The British pianinst Murray McLachlan has recorded two volumes of Kabalevsky's piano works including Preludes, Sonatas and Sonatinas. The 24 self-contained Preludes are inspired by Russian folk-music, yet the musical connoisseur should be quick to discover the inclusion of elements from the music of J.S. Bach, Mussorgsky and Gershwin amongst others.

As I have performed parts from Kabalevsky's Sonatinas, I think they deserve special mention. Sonatina No.1 is his most famous piano composition which opens full of tumbling passagework and humorous harmonic twists. McLachlan gives an astonishing rendition of the 3rd movement (Presto) with 'Flight of the Bumblebee' agility and speed. McLachlan plays the original version of the lesser known and played Sonatina No.2 which includes the Moderato which Kabalevsky in the 1969 revised edition removed and placed in the 'Im Ferienlager' Suite.

Sonatina No.2 is full of charm and youthful optimism with its opening motif in the first movement reappearing in the climactic final movement. Kabalevsky's piano music deserves a place in standard piano repertoire and your CD collection.

Enjoy!

Simon Bell

Reviewer: (simybell@hotmail.com) from UK