The first four piano sonatas by Nikolai Myaskovsky: performing in context : portfolio of recorded performances and exegesis

Abstract

Nikolai Myaskovsky (1881-1950) was one of the most significant figures in the musical life of Russia in the early twentieth century, and one of the leading creative personalities in the early years of the Soviet Union. Although he was a highly influential musician during his lifetime, his music has become overshadowed by other composers of the era, such as Prokofiev and Shostakovich. His music is now rarely performed, either inside or outside Russia. His large creative output includes nine piano sonatas for which few recordings exist. This performance-based Mphil project at the Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide, brings to public attention the first four piano sonatas and contextualises them alongside other Russian piano works of Myaskovsky’s time. The submission consists of a portfolio of recorded performances on two CD’s, supported by an explanatory exegesis.