SÃ¡ndor Balassa has stated that his music for piano 'has to evoke genuine emotions, recalling the abundance of a springtime meadow, giving us a feeling of richness, and inspiring a sense of adventure in us and touching our hearts'. In this third volume, which includes piano versions of pieces for harp and cimbalom, the sheer diversity of Balassa's imagination is amply illustrated, conjuring atmosphere and poignant recollections as well as demanding exceptional virtuosity. Balassa considers the closing FantÃ¡zia, Op. 97 to be his best piano work. IstvÃ¡n Kassai graduated as a pianist from the Budapest Academy of Music in 1982 studying in the class of PÃ¡l Kadosa. In 1984 he pursued a second diploma at the Conservatoire EuropÃ©en de Musique under the close supervision of professor Yvonne LefÃ©bure. He also undertook several master courses, including one led by GyÃ¶rgy Cziffra, who had a great impact on Kassai's artistic development. During his career, Kassai has won several first prizes in international competitions such as the International Piano Competition for Young Artists in 1972 in Czechoslovakia, the Piano Competition organized by Hungarian Radio in 1979, and the Paris International Debussy Piano Competition in 1982.

Tracklist:

Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 1, Andante
Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 2, Allegro Assai
Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 3, Quarter Note = 56
Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 4, Allegretto Movimento
Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 5, Eighth Note = Ca. 80
Kicsi A Bors..., Op. 106: No. 6, Molto Allegro
Északi Ajándék, Op. 139 (Version For Piano): I. Andantino
Északi Ajándék, Op. 139 (Version For Piano): II. Eighth Note = 116
Északi Ajándék, Op. 139 (Version For Piano): III. Lento Tranquillo
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 1, A Kis Pendelyes
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 2, Téma Változatokkal
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 3, Hubble Ajándéka
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 4, Liliputi Lakodalom
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 5, Jégvirágok
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 6, Az El Nem Küldött Levél
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 7, Tételpár
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 8, Álom
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 9, Etűd, Amelyben A Játékos Maga Választja Meg A Temp
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 10, Altató
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 11, Március
12 Könnyű Zongoradarab, Op. 123: No. 12, Makovecz
Hajta Virágai, Op. 38 (Version For Piano): I. Introduzione
Hajta Virágai, Op. 38 (Version For Piano): II. Rondo I
Hajta Virágai, Op. 38 (Version For Piano): III. Rondo II
Rondo, Op. 145
Fantázia, Op. 97

UPC: 747313980529
Label: Grand Piano
Release Date: 2.14.20
Format: CD

Balassa / Kassai - Complete Piano Music 3 (CD)