Glazunov’s Piano Works: Masterpieces by a Revolutionary Who Fused Nationalism and Internationalism

Alexander Glazunov, a Russian composer born in 1865 in Saint Petersburg in the Russian Empire, was active as a composer, music teacher, and conductor.

He is known as an important figure in post-revolutionary Russia who blended nationalism and internationalism, and is said to have possessed such remarkable talent that even the “Mighty Handful” (the circle around Mily Balakirev, prominent in late 19th-century Russia) took notice of him.

In this article, we highlight Glazunov’s works for piano—introducing them along with the background of their composition and their distinctive features.

Playlist

Glazunov’s Piano Works: Masterpieces by a Revolutionary Who Fused Nationalism and Internationalism
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Theme and Variations, Op. 72Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s virtuosic piano solo piece
2	Grand Waltz for Concert, Op. 41Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s compositions fusing nationalism and internationalism
3	Piano Sonata No. 2 in E minor, Op. 75Aleksandr Glazunov		The features and appeal of Glazunov’s Piano Sonata No. 2
4	Three Pieces, Op. 42 No. 3: WaltzAleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov's elegant waltz piece
5	Salon Waltz, Op. 43Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s romantic piano piece
6	Nocturne in D-flat major, Op. 37Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s Nocturne in D-flat major
7	Piano Concerto No. 2 in B major, Op. 100Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov's piano concerto is a romantic masterpiece
8	Pastorale, Op. 103Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s graceful piano piece “Idyll”
9	Piano Concerto No. 1 in F minor, Op. 92Aleksandr Glazunov		Characteristics and appeal of Glazunov’s piano concertos
10	Piano Sonata No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 74Aleksandr Glazunov		Introduction to Glazunov’s Piano Sonata No. 1
11	Two Pieces, Op. 22: No. 1 “Barcarolle”Aleksandr Glazunov		The lyrical barcarolle by the Russian composer Glazunov
12	Fantasia, Op. 104Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s works for two pianos are beautiful.
13	Prelude and Fugue in D minor, Op. 62Aleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s piano piece, an emotionally rich masterpiece
14	Two Impromptus, Op. 54: No. 1 in D-flat majorAleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s Impromptu, an elegant and approachable masterpiece
15	Three Études, Op. 31 No. 1 in C majorAleksandr Glazunov		Glazunov’s technically difficult étude works