Catoire (Γ. Κатуар), Four Preludes, Op 17

Op. 17 is a set of four piano preludes composed by the Russian late romantic composer, Georgy Catoire circa 1903 and dedicated to the pianist Lev Conus. Unfortunately, Catoire's music has suffered obscurity and near neglect for many decades, despite its great beauty. Hopefully, this posting will help to raise awareness of this wonderful composer. Comments welcome.

Piano: Baldwin Model L Artist Grand (6'3")

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Catoire
• Russian late romantics
• piano preludes
• rachfan1
• Georgy
• David
• April
• Γ.
• Κатуар

[Rachfan1]

Hi neilassoni,

Thanks so much for stopping by and listening, and also for that nice compliment on my Catoire pieces which I greatly appreciate. I've looked a bit into Blumenfeld's music. It's more hit or miss than some other composers of the era. I notice that the vast majority of his pieces are at fast tempi. He seems to offer much less on the lyrical side which most appeals to me. Probably I will do some of his music eventually. Thanks again.

[Rachfan1]

Hi PiscaCPT

Thanks so much! I'm glad that you enjoyed these wonderful preludes of Catoire. Where you're from Brazil, you might enjoy listening to the "Preludio" of Eduardo Dutra, also posted on my channel here, as he was a Brazilian composer. It's a gorgeous piece.

[Rachfan1]

Hi Lisztman,

Yes, I own the Hamelin CD. I believe that our interpretations of this music are quite different. Thanks for listening!

[Rachfan1]

Hi Lukecash,

Thanks for listening!. These compositions are extraordinary. Marc-Andre Hamelin has recorded much of Catoire for Hyperion. In the U.S. Koji Attwood has played some Catoire in recital. I have recorded these Preludes, and soon I'll be posting the "Chant du crepuscule", Op. 24, No. 1 to complete the set of four. I do plan to continue with the Catoire repertoire. Sadly, aside from the pianists mentioned above, I know of no others playing Catoire's piano music at present.

[OceansBoulevard]

a really good interpretation of a really interesting composer.

Thank you.

[Rachfan1]

Hi Oceans,

You're a step ahead of me and found some of the Catoire pieces! I'm sure you'd also enjoy the two Chants du Crepuscule I've posted here too. Extraordinary music!

[neiltassoni]

Again and again, i come back to your wondrous interpretations of this nearly sublime music. Thank you for taking the time to share. I wonder if you've played anything by Mister Felix Blumenfeld? He is best known for that singular left-handed piano piece, but there are myriad more-than-worthy exploration possibilities. A man of your rarefied taste would surely find something of intrigue.

Thanks again--Neil of Minneapolis

[PiscaCPT]

Bravo! Cheers from Brazil

[Lukecash12]

thanks for the upload. It's rather difficult to find good recordings of Catoire, let alone very many recordings at all.