Balakirev’s appreciation of other composers is reflected in transcriptions that also reveal his brilliance as a pianist. With several world premiere recordings, this programme includes the marvellous balalaika sonorities and virtuoso colours to be found in operas by Glinka, the novel concept of dovetailing préludes by Chopin, and the richness of Beethoven’s string quartets. A plaintive Gondola Song, the relentlessly energetic Tarantelle and the Polonaise brillante conclude this fifth volume in Nicholas Walker’s acclaimed complete edition of his piano works. © Grand Piano Records