Ustvolskaya: Complete Piano Music

Immerse yourself in the intense and captivating world of Galina Ustvolskaya's complete piano works, meticulously compiled in this comprehensive 4CD set. Released on January 3, 2013, under the Piano Classics label, this collection spans a remarkable 1 hour and 38 minutes, offering a deep dive into the unique and uncompromising musical language of this remarkable Russian composer.

Ustvolskaya's piano works are renowned for their stark, almost sculptural quality, featuring extreme dynamic contrasts, dense cluster chords, and a bold exploration of the keyboard's highest and lowest registers. This album presents her complete piano sonatas, from the early Sonata No. 1 to the later Sonata No. 6, alongside her 12 Preludes, showcasing the evolution of her distinctive style over time.

The collection includes:

• Piano Sonata No. 1 to No. 6, each divided into multiple movements, demonstrating Ustvolskaya's development as a composer and her unyielding commitment to her artistic vision.
• 12 Preludes, each a concise and powerful exploration of her musical ideas, offering a glimpse into her innovative approach to form and structure.

Ustvolskaya's music is characterized by its eclectic combination of musical elements, often treated symbolically, creating a rich and thought-provoking listening experience. This album is an essential addition to the collection of any serious music enthusiast, providing a comprehensive overview of one of the most distinctive and influential voices in 20th-century classical music.