Sergei Lyapunov - 3 Pieces, Op. 1

3 Pieces, by Sergei Mikhailovich Lyapunov, contains 3 brilliant virtuosic works influenced by Balakirev and Chopin. In the Étude, the texture is essentially a polyrhythmic division between “The Bees” in the left hand, and a gust of “Winter Wind” freezing the right hand in place rather than blowing all over. Lyapunov’s own twist gives the Étude a sparkling reverberation, akin to the refreshing sensation of immediately leaving a shower. Regardless of Lyapunov’s influences, his ability to craft such a work for his first opus is incredible, thereby lending him an already mature voice at such a young age. The Intermezzo is mischievous and nimble, but can become ferocious in demeanor at times. In the middle section, a bath of pentatonic light encourages the main theme to return at full throttle. Darkness falls, and the piece, erstwhile fleeting, asserts itself at the coda. The last piece is the Waltz, one too elegant for any salon. It trots, punctuated by the intermittent coloratura.