[Lyadov’s Piano Pieces] A pianistic masterpiece crafted by a brilliant but lazy composer
Anatoly Lyadov, a Russian composer born into a musical family in St.
Petersburg, had his talent recognized by prominent musicians.
Although he demonstrated musical ability from an early age and attracted attention, he did not possess a strong passion for music.
As a result, it is said that he composed at a very leisurely pace.
Even so, the works that emerged from his unhurried compositional activity are all excellent pieces that reveal his talent.
In this article, we introduce selections from Lyadov’s legacy specifically for piano, the instrument he excelled at performing.
- [Lyadov’s Piano Pieces] A pianistic masterpiece crafted by a brilliant but lazy composer
- Medtner’s Piano Works: Romantic Masterpieces by a 20th-Century Russian Composer
- Séverac’s Piano Pieces: Masterworks by the Genius Composer Recognized by Debussy
- [Mompou’s Piano Pieces] Introducing soothing masterpieces by a shy composer
- [Borodin’s Piano Pieces] Selected masterpieces by a composer who loved Russian folk songs
- Glazunov’s Piano Works: Masterpieces by a Revolutionary Who Fused Nationalism and Internationalism
- Balakirev’s Piano Works: Gemlike Masterpieces Left by the Coordinator of The Five
- Prokofiev’s Piano Works: A Curated Selection of Masterpieces by One of the 20th Century’s Greatest Composers
- Chabrier’s Piano Pieces: Gemlike Masterworks Forged by the Esprit of French Music
- [Easier Level] Ravel’s Piano Pieces | A curated selection of easier works you can play smoothly!
- [Moszkowski’s Piano Pieces] Gem-like masterpieces that also help improve technique
- [Szymanowski’s Piano Works] Masterpieces Left by a Composer Who Lived Through Turbulent Times
- [Contemporary Pieces] A curated selection of classical works that captivate with the piano’s mysterious resonance!
Lyadov’s Piano Pieces: Pianistic Masterworks Crafted by a Brilliant Lazybones (Nos. 11–20)
Two Pieces, Op. 31: No. 2, “Prelude”Anatoly Lyadov
Anatoly Lyadov, one of the leading composers of the late Russian Romantic era, studied under Rimsky-Korsakov at the St.
Petersburg Conservatory, where his talent as a distinguished composer blossomed.
The second piece from Lyadov’s Two Pieces, Op.
31 is a gem that conveys his delicate and beautiful musical world.
Its melody, unfolded at a leisurely tempo, creates a sound that is somehow wistful yet warmly resonant.
After a deeply pensive middle section, the return to a calmer reprise showcases his rich sensitivity and sophisticated compositional technique.
For those interested in Romantic piano miniatures, this is a piece you should definitely consider performing.
In conclusion
Anatoly Lyadov was reportedly not particularly proactive about music—he skipped classes at the conservatory and was even dismissed from the conservatory where he had been teaching.
Nevertheless, all the works he left behind are highly accomplished and attest to his musical genius.
Why not experience, through his compositions, the talent that seemed to overflow from him even without any special effort?