Repin/Huseynov - Gara Garayev: Sonata for Violin and Piano, 24 Preludes

Gara Garayev (1918�82) was the leading Azerbaijani composer of the twentieth century. His music fuses the western traditions exemplified by his teacher Shostakovich and the classical and folk heritage of his homeland. The two works recorded here illustrate Garayev�s stylistic range: his Violin Sonata (1960) is Neo-Classical in manner, whereas the 24 Preludes (1951�63) combine influences from the Russian piano school (not least Prokofiev) with elements from Azerbajaini modes and the rhythms of Arabic-Persian lyric poetry. This recording introduces the stellar violinist Vadim Repin to the Toccata Classics label. The presentation includes a bonus DVD of the film Sonates d�automne, shot during the recording of this album.