Variations, for piano, Op. 41
Jazz Concert Etudes (8) for piano, Op. 40
Bagatelles (10) for piano, Op. 59:
No. 9
Suite in the Old Style, for piano, Op. 28
Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 62
Sonatina for piano, Op. 100
Etudes (5) in Different Intervals, for piano, Op. 68

Here is a disc to set the pulse racing. Nikolai Kapustin is a Russian composer who writes jazz piano music teeming with energetic spontaneity and bristling with the kind of creative immediacy one associates with improvisation (although the music is fully and meticulously written out). Kapustin is already known to the Hyperion catalogue through Steven Osborne’s trail-blazing recording of the first two Piano Sonatas and the Preludes in Jazz Style, and Marc-André Hamelin is another pianist who has for years played his music in concert. Hamelin’s legendary technical prowess and his exceptional affinity with jazz fuse to create one of the most sparkling, infectiously foot-tapping piano discs you could wish to hear. In a recital spanning various traditional instrumental genres, Marc-André Hamelin includes two sets of studies. In terms of their stylistic breadth, formidable technical challenges and audacious invention, the Eight Concert Études (1984) hold their own against the celebrated benchmarks in the genre, from Liszt and Lyapunov to Godowsky’s re-worked Chopin. The Five Études in Different Intervals (1992) begins with a madcap study in minor seconds recalling the bouncy demeanor of Zez Confrey’s Kitten on the Keys (although here someone has dosed poor kitty with Grade A Catnip!), and ends with an octave study to end all octave studies. Throughout, Kapustin’s bottomless well of thematic resoursefulness works overtime. A disc to dazzle your friends with – and play “guess the composer!“

10 de RÉPERTOIRE

'Everything on this remarkable disc is played with a nonchalant aplomb and magical dexterity hard to imagine from any other pianist. Hamelin … is in his element, and he has been immaculately recorded' (Gramophone)

'Hamelin is one of Kapustin's strongest advocates and proves his perfect interpreter: super cool, he sounds utterly laid-back even in the most fearsome rhythmic traps; his phrasing is exquisitely turned and 'finished'; and his affection for the music shines out in every note. Hear this and you'll be hooked' (Classic FM Magazine)

'Beautifully recorded, the disc is a delightful - and, as ever, distinguished - addition to Hamelin's discography as well as a major boost to the reputation of one of today's most paradoxical composers. One for the Christmas stocking, I think' (International Record Review)

'Hamelin is one of the most gifted pianists around at the moment, and his playing here has such light and shade, wit, nuance, and blinding virtuosity that it is hard to imagine finer performances of this terrific repertoire. The recording is characteristic of Hyperion's piano sound at its considerable best. All in all, one of the most enjoyable piano discs I have heard in ages. Recommended with unquenchable enthusiasm!' (International Piano)

'Hamelin captures a quality of spontaneity, not to mention sheer agility and elegance, with awesome fluency. A remarkable release in every respect' (Fanfare, USA)

'Chapeau évidemment a cet incroyable Marc-André Hamelin dont la technique époustouflante s'adapte a tous les genres musicaux. Précipitez-vous pour acquérir cet événement discographique et découvrir cette musique sans pareil. Pour notre part, nous l'avons écoutée une bonne dizaine de fois pour bien nous convaincre de la réjouissance folie du dénommé Kapustin!' (Répertoire, France)

'the music is full of virtuosity which Marc-André handles effortlessly' (BBC Music Magazine)

'exceptionally well-played and recorded' (The Times)

'Marc-André Hamelin simply flies through the music, ignoring any technical difficulties with the most marvellous command and virtuosity … In all, this second disc of Kapustin's marvellous music from Hyperion is the most exceptionally satisfying discovery' (Hi-Fi+)

'Hamelin plays with all his trademark virtuosity and nimble wit, making the keyboard thunder and sing' (San Francisco Chronicle)

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Recording details: June 2003; Henry Wood Hall, London, United Kingdom; Produced by Andrew Keener; Engineered by Simon Eadon; Release date: June 2004;