Oeuvres pour piano solo

Description

Recognized today as one of the pioneers of microtonal music and performed worldwide, Ivan Wyschnegradsky nonetheless composed pieces for solo piano in half-tones throughout his life, an instrument he particularly loved. This recording is unique: it brings together the complete works for solo piano, known as "normal," by this composer. Most of these pieces, previously unpublished, are brought to light for the first time. The program offers a reverse journey, from middle age to the earliest compositions: from the study on the magic sound square, op. 40, to youthful preludes written in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) in 1916, shortly before his definitive departure from Russia to settle in Paris, where he lived until 1979. The pianist Martine Joste, who knew the composer well, premiered many of his works in his presence. Ivan Wyschnegradsky particularly appreciated her playing, both dynamic and sensitive. In 1983, she founded, with Claude Ballif, the Ivan Wyschnegradsky Association to promote this major figure of the 20th century. This disc sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of this composer's personality and highlights his creative journey. The disc, co-produced with the Ivan Wyschnegradsky Association, with support from the Francis and Mica Salabert Foundation, is released on the Shiiin label, accompanied by a 33-page booklet edited in French and English.