Description

This 6CD-set (the first complete recording) presents the complete solo piano works of Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877-1952), one of the most unjustly overlooked composers.
During his life, Bortkiewicz was oppressed and persecuted by both Soviet and Nazi regimes. A brilliant pianist and composer, he was also a refugee and a survivor of two world wars and a civil war. The style of Bortkiewicz’s music derives from the great Romantic composers of the 19th century. He adopted Liszt’s rich and brilliant piano
writing, Chopin’s lyricism and humanity, the imagery of Schumann’s character pieces and Wagner’s imaginative harmony. His captivating melodies and sweeping pianism make his piano music highly attractive, deserving a far wider recognition. Dutch pianist Klaas Trapman is a champion of lesser known romantic piano music, having performed works by Alkan, Henselt, Tournemire, Szymanowski and Medtner. He wrote extensively about the piano music of Bortkiewicz.