Anton Stepanovich Arensky This CD presents two important Russian compositions for violin and orchestra, each dedicated to a composer closely associated with Tchaikovsky. Both works, as well as Tchaikovsky's famous Violin Concerto, are dedicated to Leopold Auer, who lived and taught in Saint Petersburg for many years.
The first piece is by Anton Stepanovich Arensky (1861–1906), a student of Rimsky-Korsakov and a contemporary of Tchaikovsky. Arensky's music is often compared to that of his older colleague. He himself later trained renowned composers such as Rachmaninoff and Scriabin. His Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, is a striking example of his melodic talent and compositional skill.
In contrast to Arensky's romantic style is the Suite de concert by Sergei Ivanovich Taneyev, a close confidant and collaborator of Tchaikovsky. Taneyev, considered musically gifted from a young age, quickly gained recognition at the Moscow Conservatory. After Tchaikovsky's departure, he took over his teaching duties and influenced numerous Russian composers. Despite his slow working methods, Taneyev was a reclusive artist who devoted himself intensively to counterpoint. Often called the "Russian Brahms," he masterfully combined Russian folk music with polyphonic technique. His compositions are characterized by sophisticated structure and profound musical understanding, making him an outstanding figure in Russian music history.
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