The published works of Semyon Alexeyevich Barmotin (1877-1939) date from a particularly rich flowering of Russian culture that preceded the Revolution of 1917. From the Romantic expansiveness of the Piano Sonata, Op. 4 to the colourful and reflective Tableaux de la vie enfantine, the attraction of Barmotin’s piano music stems from his spirited artistic personality, the refinement of his harmonic language and mastery of form. Christopher Williams continues his acclaimed rediscovery of a composer who allows the emotional character of each musical moment to flourish. This recording was made on a modern instrument: Steinway, Model D.
"Barmotin’s music has been a revelation to me and his craftsmanship and personality are as much in evidence in this second volume as in the previous. As a performer of his music I’ve experienced nothing but pure delight, always marvelling at the individualistic nature of his piano writing and wealth of musical invention so clearly demonstrated in the pieces on this album. The unique Scherzo-Finale from the Sonata offers the listener a glimpse of musical theatre, almost pantomime in nature, whilst the Tableaux de la vie enfantine is reminiscent of a ballet score with 22 evocative scenes and moods, each one perfectly crafted. Valse mélancolique with its increasingly decorative variation and the sheer beauty of Les Rêves being but two of many highlights in the set". (Christopher Williams)
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