Karayev / Ismailova Piano Works CD

Kara Karayev is an outstanding composer of the twentieth century whose legacy is acknowledged and acclaimed far beyond the borders of Azerbaijan, his native country. With melodies that sing while telling a story, his music's moving, unforgettable expression is colored by modern, extremely expressive harmonies. All of this makes Karayev's art exceptionally complex: he succeeds in creating a universe of sound that captures the audience. Kara Karayev studied violin and piano at Baku Conservatory, and went on to study composition at Moscow Conservatory in the class of Dmitri Shostakovich, who always held Karayev in the highest esteem. Most of the works presented here by pianist Elnara Ismailova have been recorded on this album for the first time in celebration of the 100th birthday of this largely unknown Azerbaidjanian composer.

1. Karayev: 24 Preludes - No. 1 - Allegro Molto 2. 24 Preludes - No. 2 - Andante 3. 24 Preludes - No. 3- Allegro Molto 4. 24 Preludes - No. 4 - Andante Cantabile 5. 24 Preludes - No. 5 - Moderato 6. 24 Preludes - No. 6 - Allegro Con Brio 7. 24 Preludes - No. 7 - Moderato 8. 24 Preludes - No. 8 - Allegro Non Troppo 9. 24 Preludes - No. 9 - Andante Tranquillo 10. 24 Preludes - No. 10 - Allegro Con Fuoco 11. 24 Preludes - No. 11 - Veloce 12. 24 Preludes - No. 12 - Andante Lugubre 13. 24 Preludes - No. 13 - Allegro Moderato 14. 24 Preludes - No. 14 - Andante Mesto 15. 24 Preludes - No. 15 - Allegro Giocoso 16. 24 Preludes - No. 16 - Tranquillo Rubato 17. 24 Preludes - No. 17 - Andante Maestoso 18. 24 Preludes - No. 18 - Andante Cantabile 19. 24 Preludes - No. 19 - Andante 20. 24 Preludes - No. 20 - Molto Moderato 21. 24 Preludes - No. 21 - Vivace 22. 24 Preludes - No. 22 - Grave 23. 24 Preludes - No. 23 - Allegro 24. Preludes - No. 24 - Andante 25. Karayev: Six Pieces for Children - No. 1 Ein Kleiner Walzer 26. Six Pieces for Children - No. 2 Kreisel 27. Six Pieces for Children - No. 3 Nachtraglich 28. Six Pieces for Children - No. 4 Das Spiel 29. Six Pieces for Children - No. 5 Erzahlung 30. Six Pieces for Children - No. 6 Lustige Begebenheit 31. Karayev: The Statue in Tsarskoye Selo - Musical Picture for Piano 32. From: Don Quichotte, Symphonic Sketches Arranged for Piano By Faradj Garayev - No. 1 - Journeying 33. From: Don Quichotte, Symphonic Sketches Arranged for Piano By Faradj Garayev - No. 4 - Aldonsea (Dulcinea Von/Of Toboso) 34. From: Don Quichotte, Symphonic Sketches Arranged for Piano By Faradj Garayev - No. 5 - Travels