James Kreiling & Liubov Ulybysheva - RISE: Revolutionary Russian Cello Music (2024) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Following the success of his solo release of the Complete Late Piano Music of Scriabin, James Kreiling returns to Odradek with cellist Liubov Ulybysheva in RISE, a recording of Russian music for cello and piano that represents revolutionary Russian voices whose music rose from the ruins of conflict to create powerful testimonies of hope and peace.

Both these artists have a particular affinity with Russian music: alongside Kreiling's Scriabin specialism, Ulybysheva is currently researching a PhD based around Weinberg. They also share a desire to bring overlooked composers into the public consciousness. This recording explores the connections between lesser-known composers who were a key part of the fabric of musical culture in Russia and the Soviet Union during two periods of great tension and conflict: the 1917 Revolution and the Second World War.

The Cello Sonata by Gretchaninov and Three Improvisations by Goedicke retain a strong influence of the 19th century, whereas Tcherepnin's Sonata No. 1 is neoclassical and shares the rhythmic vigour and extremes of Shostakovich and Prokofiev, as well as folk melody and dance. Folk music also pervades Gnessin's Theme and Variations, and Armenian-Soviet composer Khachaturian's Piece and Reve. Prokofiev influenced Khrennikov's Cello Sonata Op. 34 and Kabalevsky's Rondo to the memory of Sergei Prokofiev, but Spanish folk styles find their way into Shchedrin's In the Style of Albeniz. Shostakovich suffered terribly at the hands of the authorities and ballet The Limpid Stream, from which we hear the Adagio, was banned. Praise for James Kreiling on Odradek:

"Remarkably assured, beautifully shaped playing by Kreiling of Scriabin's knotty, post-Romantic soundworld. Many highlights in this two-CD set, but the 'Insect' Tenth Sonata captivates." BBC Music Magazine

"Kreiling's recital… is well recorded and thoroughly idiomatic and deserves every success." MusicWeb International

"With scrupulous attention to detail and an insightful approach to the music (James's doctoral research focussed on the late piano sonatas), James captures the composer's idiosyncrasies with a compelling naturalness and an acute sensitivity to the shifting moods and colours, combining muscularity and delicacy… Recommended." Frances Wilson, The Cross-Eyed Pianist

Tracklist:
CD1
01 - Three Improvisations for Cello and Piano, Op. 27_ I. Moderato
02 - Three Improvisations for Cello and Piano, Op. 27_ II. Allegro giusto
03 - Three Improvisations for Cello and Piano, Op. 27_ III. Adagio sostenuto
04 - 3 Melodies - Characters from Pushkin's ‘Stone Guest’, Op. 51_ I. Don Giovanni
05 - 3 Melodies - Characters from Pushkin's ‘Stone Guest’, Op. 51_ II. Donna Anna
06 - 3 Melodies - Characters from Pushkin's ‘Stone Guest’, Op. 51_ III. Laura
07 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 113_ I. Mesto - Allegro agitato
08 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 113_ II. Menuetto tragico. Minaccioso
09 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 113_ III. Finale. Allegro - Allegro molto
10 - Two Pieces for Cello and Piano_ I. Pièce
11 - Two Pieces for Cello and Piano_ II. Rêve
12 - Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1, Op. 29_ I. Allegro
13 - Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1, Op. 29_ II. Cadenza
14 - Sonata for Cello and Piano No. 1, Op. 29_ III. Allegretto

CD2
01 - Theme and Variations for Cello and Piano, Op. 67
02 - Four Songs and Dances for Cello and Piano, Op. 84_ I. Georgian Song
03 - Four Songs and Dances for Cello and Piano, Op. 84_ II. Tartar Dance
04 - Four Songs and Dances for Cello and Piano, Op. 84_ III. Russian Song
05 - Four Songs and Dances for Cello and Piano, Op. 84_ IV. Kazakh Dance
06 - Rondo in memory of Prokofiev, Op. 79
07 - Cello Sonata No. 2, Op. 63_ I. Moderato
08 - Cello Sonata No. 2, Op. 63_ II. Andante
09 - Cello Sonata No. 2, Op. 63_ III. Allegro
10 - Two Pieces from the Ballet Suite No. 2_ I. Adagio (Arr. by Lev Atomyan)
11 - Two Pieces from the Ballet Suite No. 2_ II. Springtime Waltz (Arr. by Lev Atomyan)
12 - In the Style of Albéniz
13 - Quadrille from the opera 'Not Love Alone' (Arr. by Grigory Singer)
14 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 34_ I. Andantino maestoso
15 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 34_ II. Andante molto espressivo
16 - Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 34_ III. Allegro con fuoco


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