Virtuoso
Dmitry Ishkhanov piano
Navona Records presents VIRTUOSO, a collection of works by Frederic Chopin performed by piano prodigy Dmitry Ishkhanov. Featured on this album are the pieces Ishkhanov cites as Chopin’s most meaningful: the four Mazurkas of Op. 17, the Nocturne in C sharp minor of Op. 27, and the Etudes of Op. 25, considered by many as one of the most challenging repertoires to master. Ishkhanov approaches these works with Chopin’s intentions in mind, conjuring a smooth singing voice from the piano in contrast to the instrument’s percussive nature. Ishkhanov performs a fresh iteration of Chopin’s work with integrity and finesse in this recording.
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"Even though he’s just a teenager, Dmitry Ishkhanov plays like a seasoned vet."
Track Listing & Credits
| # | Title | Composer | Performer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Vivo e risoluto | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:27 |
| 02 | 4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Lento, ma non troppo | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:20 |
| 03 | 4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Legato assai | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 5:39 |
| 04 | 4 Mazurkas, Op. 17: Lento, ma non troppo | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 5:15 |
| 05 | Nocturne, Op. 27: No. 1 | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 5:35 |
| 06 | Études, Op. 25: No. 1 in A-flat major | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:47 |
| 07 | Études, Op. 25: No. 2 in F minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 1:56 |
| 08 | Études, Op. 25: No. 3 in F major | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:03 |
| 09 | Études, Op. 25: No. 4 in A minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 1:46 |
| 10 | Études, Op. 25: No. 5 in E minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 3:31 |
| 11 | Études, Op. 25: No. 6 in G-sharp minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:19 |
| 12 | Études, Op. 25: No. 7 in C-sharp minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 5:21 |
| 13 | Études, Op. 25: No. 8 in D-flat major | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 1:11 |
| 14 | Études, Op. 25: No. 9 in G-flat major | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 1:10 |
| 15 | Études, Op. 25: No. 10 in B minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 4:31 |
| 16 | Études, Op. 25: No. 11 in A minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 3:50 |
| 17 | Études, Op. 25: No. 12 in C minor | Frédéric Chopin | Dmitry Ishkhanov, piano | 2:54 |
Recorded March 6-7, 2021 at Robert Samut Hall in Valletta, Malta
Session Engineer & Producer Jan Košulič
Editing & Mixing Lucas Paquette
Photography Ira Weinrauch
Executive Producer Bob Lord
Executive A&R Sam Renshaw
A&R Director Brandon MacNeil
A&R Miran Vaupotić
General Manager of Audio & Sessions Jan Košulič
Recording Sessions Director Levi Brown
Audio Director, Editing, Mixing Lucas Paquette
Production Assistant Martina Watzková
Editing, Mixing, Mastering Jan Košulič
VP, Design & Marketing Brett Picknell
Art Director Ryan Harrison
Design Edward A. Fleming
Publicity Patrick Niland, Sara Warner
Artist Information
Dmitry Ishkhanov
Apart from showing incredible potential, Ishkhanov already demonstrates mature and unique artistic capabilities. Amongst his biggest accomplishments, at the age of 14 Ishkhanov debuted in Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Distinguished Concerts Orchestra and conductor Miran Vaupotić. Furthermore, in September 2016, at the age of 11, Ishkhanov represented Malta at the Eurovision of Young Musicians held in Cologne Germany, and became the youngest finalist in the Eurovision history. Ishkhanov marks this release of Chopin’s works with a return to Carnegie Hall in December 2021.
Notes
On This Album, I Perform A Selection Of Chopin’s Most Meaningful Works: The four Mazurkas of Op. 17, requiring immense artistic integrity and attention to details, followed by the Nocturne in C-sharp minor of Op. 27, requiring extensive depth of play, along with the Etudes of Op. 25, considered by many as one of the most challenging repertoires to master.
The four Mazurkas begin with a brilliant and joyful tune in B-flat major, resembling the innocent and curious spirit of a child. In contrast, they end with a sorrowful and pensive Mazurka, with the chord progression in the left hand leading regretful remembrances and the loss of hope taken from a more mature perspective.
The Nocturne begins with haunting harmonies complemented by a wide arrangement of the left hand. The middle is comprised of an agitated state of mind resolving in a brilliant polonaise-like serenade. The nocturne ends with an overwhelming sensation of relief by finishing in the major key.
It is fascinating how each of the 12 etudes creates their own unique, immersive, and conflicting worlds. Whilst targeting specific technique styles, they also target specific emotional responses of the listeners. Personally, my favorite etude is No. 10 in B-minor, which is very powerful and traumatic, yet also therapeutic and enchanting.
Chopin had an outstanding connection to the piano unlike anybody else to date. For Chopin and for me, it is important that the piano imitates a voice and sings, conflicting the percussive nature of the hammers hitting the strings. Chopin took huge influence from the legendary opera composer Vincenzo Bellini, specifically from his bel canto: Arias. Furthermore, since he was an excellent teacher, one could learn a lot from reading Chopin’s scores, as they offer the interpreter many ways to lead the voice thereby achieving great skill. Many technical passages are conquered by melodizing them as he intended. I attempt to succeed in this throughout my unique interpretation, while maintaining pianistic integrity and respect to the composer.
— Dmitry Ishkhanov
