Valentin Silvestrov

Piano Works Vol. 2

This volume contains both early works created in the 1950s-60s and the cycles 'Children's Music' I and II as well as 'Music in the Old Style' from 1973, within the early formative years of the composer. Although technically not very difficult, these works place serious demands on the performer, and although not necessarily 'instructive', they can be added to the educational repertoire. Thus, Silvestrov continues the traditions of Mussorgsky ('Kindestube') and Debussy ('Children's Corner'). In 'Naïve Music' and 'Distant Music', the roots of his later 'metaphorical style' are revealed very clearly. Sonatine and 'Klassische Sonate', concert pieces written by Silvestrov in his student days, show traces of Prokofiev's influence.