Montreal-based since 1998, Airat Ichmouratov (b. 1973) traces his musical roots back to the dominant culture in his native Tatarstan in Soviet times: 'It was definitely the Russian school of composers', he says, without rancour. 'I'm influenced to this day by Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninoff, and Tchaikovsky. My own musical style has evolved out of this rich heritage.' There's more. The Volga Tatar-born Russian-Canadian composer learned to play klezmer music while busking, together with his viola-playing wife, as new immigrants on the streets and MÃ©tro of Montreal. 'I've been touring the world for twenty years as a clarinettist with the Montreal band Kleztory and find myself, a Muslim-born musician, playing klezmer. This, too, is now a distinctive part of my musical language.'

Tracklist:

Concerto Grosso, Op. 28: I. Allegro
Concerto Grosso, Op. 28: II. Adagio
Concerto Grosso, Op. 28: III. Allegro Con Brio
3 Romances, Op. 22: No. 1, Moderato
3 Romances, Op. 22: No. 2, Adagio
3 Romances, Op. 22: No. 3, Largo
String Octet In G Minor, Op. 56 "Letter" (Version For String Orchestra): I. Largo
String Octet In G Minor, Op. 56 "Letter" (Version For String Orchestra): II. Allegro
String Octet In G Minor, Op. 56 "Letter" (Version For String Orchestra): III. Largo

UPC: 095115214121
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 8.23.19
Format: CD

Ichmouratov / Belarusian State Chamber Orch - Letter from An Unknown Woman (CD)