Cyprien Katsaris, renowned for his virtuosic performances and deep musical insight, presents a captivating journey through the world of Russian ballet with his album "Russian Ballet Transcriptions for Four Hands and Two Pianos." Released on January 1, 2016, under the Piano 21 label, this album is a testament to Katsaris's mastery of the classical piano repertoire.
The album features a meticulously curated selection of iconic ballet suites, transcribed for two pianos and four hands. Katsaris's interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these timeless works, showcasing his technical brilliance and artistic sensitivity. The album includes world premiere recordings of Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird" Suite No. 2, arranged for two pianos by Achilleas Wastor, highlighting Katsaris's ability to breathe new life into classical masterpieces.
From the enchanting melodies of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" to the fiery rhythms of Khachaturian's "Gayaneh," Katsaris navigates through a diverse range of musical landscapes. Each piece is a showcase of Katsaris's impeccable phrasing, dynamic control, and expressive depth. The album's duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes offers a comprehensive exploration of these beloved ballet suites, making it a delightful listen for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts.
Katsaris's renditions are not just technically impressive but also emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of each ballet's narrative and character. Whether it's the delicate grace of "The Sleeping Beauty" or the dramatic intensity of "Prince Igor," Katsaris's performances are a testament to his deep understanding of the music and his ability to convey its emotional depth.
"Russian Ballet Transcriptions for Four Hands and Two Pianos" is a celebration of Cyprien Katsaris's artistry and a tribute to the enduring legacy of Russian ballet. This album is a must-have for any classical music lover, offering a unique and captivating experience that highlights the beauty and complexity of these timeless works.
Tracks
The Firebird, Suite No. 2: I. Introduction & II. L’oiseau de feu et sa danse - 1919 Version Arr. for 2 Pianos by Achilleas Wastor, World Premiere RecordingIgor Stravinsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Firebird, Suite No. 2: III. Variation de l’oiseau de feu - 1919 Version Arr. for 2 Pianos by Achilleas Wastor, World Premiere RecordingIgor Stravinsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Firebird, Suite No. 2: IV. Ronde des princesses - 1919 Version Arr. for 2 Pianos by Achilleas Wastor, World Premiere RecordingIgor Stravinsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Firebird, Suite No. 2: V. Danse infernale du roi Kastcheï - 1919 Version Arr. for 2 Pianos by Achilleas Wastor, World Premiere RecordingIgor Stravinsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Firebird, Suite No. 2: VI. Berceuse & VII. Final - 1919 Version Arr. for 2 Pianos by Achilleas Wastor, World Premiere RecordingIgor Stravinsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Prince Igor, Act II: No. 17, Polovtsian Dances - Arr. for 2 Pianos by Ann PopeAlexander Borodin, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Sleeping Beauty, Suite, Op. 66a: II. Adagio. Pas d’action - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Sergei RachmaninoffPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: I. Ouverture miniature - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: II. Marche - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: III. Danse de la fée Dragée - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: IV. Danse russe, Trépak - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: V. Danse arabe - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: VI. Danse chinoise - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: VII. Danse des mirlitons - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
The Nutcracker, Suite, Op. 71a: VIII. Valse des fleurs - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Eduard LangerPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Swan Lake, Op. 20: No. 20, Danse russe - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Claude DebussyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Swan Lake, Op. 20: No. 21, Danse espagnole - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Claude DebussyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Swan Lake, Op. 20: No. 22, Danse napolitaine - Arr. for Four-Hands Piano by Claude DebussyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Gayaneh, Suite No. 3: No. 5, Danse du sabre - Arr. for 2 Pianos by Adolf GottliebAram Khachaturian, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
Gayaneh, Suite No. 1: No. 8, Lezginka - Arr. for 2 Pianos by Victor BabinAram Khachaturian, Cyprien Katsaris, Etsuko Hirose
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