Balkan PIano Music United in Quality

The core of the classical repertoire is centered in Western Europe -- Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. But every European country has a strong classical music tradition. And often that tradition adapts the genre in fresh and interesting ways. This release samples piano music from the countries that make up the Balkans. And what a rich and varied sampling it is!

Volume one features composers from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia. The music is as diverse as the language and customs of the regions.

Pancho Vladigerov is considered the father of Bulgarian classical music. His 1941 Improvisation No. 4, Op. 36 anticipates the sound of post-war Errol Garner. By contrast, Serbian Milan Mihajlović's "Three Preludes" have a sparse, atonal sound.

Dusan Bavdek is from Slovenia. His "Awakening" shows minimalist influence with its repeated and shifting patterns. Kosovar Faret Rudi draws on folk traditions for his work "Les cloches Arberesh." And I could go on. Ten composers from ten different countries with ten different approaches to music. And each one is well-written.

Amir Xhakovig delivers each work on its own terms. His performances highlight the differences -- and the commonalities -- between these pieces. Each country is represented by a single composer. And we know each country has many, many more composers of eqaul talent to these.

This is a series worth exploring. I was familiar with Vladigerov through his orchestral music on Capriccio. But the rest were unknown. I'm grateful for the introductions. This is fine music, indeed.

The Balkan Piano, Volume One
Amir Xhaoviq, piano
Toccata Classics TOCN 0034