The three Preludes ex-Opus 19 recorded here - a world premiere - as well as the three Preludes Op.1, date from 1924 and 1925 respectively, when Kabalevsky was just beginning his composition studies at the Moscow Conservatory. Although the style of these pieces does not have much in common with that of the Preludes Op.38, composed 18 years later, they nevertheless testify to a great sensitivity and the composer's preference for the small form. They also tell us about the fascination that Scriabin presumably had for Kabalevsky, which is especially noticeable in these youthful works.

REVIEW:

Dmitri Kabalevsky (1904-1987) composed several sets of preludes, of which the Chopin-inspired volume of 24 pieces is the most comprehensive. These 24 preludes were composed in 1943 and 1944 and are dedicated to Kabalevsky's teacher Nikolai Myaskovsky. It is one of many examples of music written in all 24 major and minor keys. They are rhythmically and melodically varied. The moods also vary constantly between gaiety, enthusiasm, humor, or wistful melancholy, tenderness and sadness. The Parisian pianist Raphael Epstein has brought out this diversity well, and the result is impressive. He differentiates the moods very well and leaves nothing to be desired technically.

-- Pizzicato