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Davor Kajfeš: Dialogues With Scriabin
ByLike Kajfeš, who has been a resident of Sweden since 1967, Russian composer and pianist Scriabin lived abroad for most of his working life. The symbolist composer composed and lived in Switzerland, Italy, France, Belgium and United States. While Chopin inspired his early works, Scriabin was keen to develop his own sound, which leaned more towards the atonal, cacophonous end of musical language. A petite, effeminate man with small hands (which would have affected his playing stylehe was able to cover no more than a 9th on the keyboard), Scriabin was affected by a neurological phenomenon known as "synesthesia." This meant that different notes stimulated the perception of different colours in his mind. He even went so far as to develop a special keyboard with lights for one of his most famous compositions, PrometheusPoem of Fire, which was performed in New York in 1915.
The last five years of Scriabin's short life were spent writing predominantly for piano, but contemporary musicians have seldom visited this body of work. Kajfeš' ambitious recording of sixteen carefully chosen pieces by Scriabin not only pays homage to the daring and controversial work of the composer, but also acts as a welcome demonstration of Kajfeš' confident, generous playing style. This solo piano recording provides an insight into the work of a remarkable composer and a noteworthy pianist. Kajfeš' jazz roots and undeniable mastery of his chosen instrument are subtly woven into these "dialogues" with Scriabin's written music to create a textured, colourful musical experience that Scriabin himself would have no doubt enjoyed.
Released on acclaimed jazz-trumpeter-son Goran Kajfes' label, Dialogues With Scriabin comes packaged in a stylish oversized card box and comes with a print and booklet featuring illustrations by daughter Arijana.
Track Listing
Masque Op.63 Nr.1; Lento Op.52 Nr.1; Impetuoso fiero Op.48 Nr.1; Scherzo/Presto Op.46; Andante Op.67 Nr.1; Danse languide Op.51 Nr.4; Lent, vague, indécis Op.74 Nr.4; Andante Op.45 Nr.3; Allegretto Op.16 Nr.5; Trés Lent, contemplatif Op.74 Nr.2; Capricciosamente affannato Op.48 Nr.3; Poetico con delizia Op.48 Nr.2; Lugubre Op.51 Nr.2; Presto Op.67 Nr.2; Andante cantabile Op.16 Nr.3; Lento Op.16 Nr.4.
Personnel
Davor Kajfeš: piano.
Album information
Title: Dialogues With Scriabin | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Headspin Recordings