The Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto series

Volume 30: Lyapunov Piano Concertos

Of the myriad Piano Concertos composed in the second half of the 19th century all but a handful
are forgotten. The survivors are played with a regularity that borders on the monotonous: pianists,
promoters and record companies play it safe and opt for the familiar. Even a masterpiece can
become an unwelcome guest, especially when subjected to an unremarkable outing by yet another
indifferent player, as happens so frequently today. How refreshing, then, to have the dust brushed
off forgotten specimens of 19th century piano concertos and rendered clean and polished for
inspection again. Refreshing and rewarding, for they are exactly the sort of pieces that make one
wonder why we are forced to live off such a limited concerto diet. How is it that such appealing,
well-crafted, imaginative works with their high spirits and luscious tunes could have vanished from
the repertoire? It is time for those who promote and play piano music to be more adventurous
and imaginative in their programming.
1991 J eremy Nicholas





Sergei Mikhailovich Lyapunov
Yaroslavl (Central Russia), November 30, 1959
Paris, November 8, 1924

Piano Concerto no. 1 in E flat minor, op. 4 (1889-90)
I. Allegro con brio - attacca: [6:53] - II. Adagio non tanto - attacca: [3:06]
III. Allegro moderato e maestoso - attacca: [4:54] - IV. Adagio non tanto - attacca: [3:28]
V. Allegro con brio [4:07]
Rhapsody on Ukrainian Themes, op. 28 (1907)
I. Andantino pastorale - attacca: [6:59] - II. Allegretto scherzando - attacca: [3:02]
III. Andantino pastorale - attacca: [2:17] - IV. Allegro giocoso [4:50]
Piano Concerto no. 2 in E major, op. 38 (1908-09)
I. Lento ma non troppo - attacca: [5:34] - II. Allegro molto ed appassionato - attacca: [1:31]
III. Allegro moderato - attacca: [2:36] - IV. Allegro molto - attacca: [3:22]
V. Lento ma non troppo - attacca: [1:12] - VI. Allegro molto [5:05]

Hamish Milne, piano
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Martyn Brabbins

Recorded in City Hall, Glasgow on 13 and 14 J une 2002
Recording engineer, Simon Eadon. Recording producer, Andrew Keener
2002 Hyperion Records Ltd. CDA67326

Hyperion celebrates the 30th release in its invaluable The Romantic Piano Concerto series with a
disc of Lyapunovs works for piano and orchestra as beautiful as it is comprehensive. Whether in
Opp 4, 28 or 38, you could never fail to guess the composers nationality, and even when you sense
Balakirevs eagle-eyed scrutiny of the First Concerto or Liszts influence in the Second,
Lyapunovs style invariably transcends the sources of his inspiration. Indeed, it is no exaggeration
to say, as Edward Garden does in his excellent accompanying essay, that the hushed nocturnal
opening to the Second Concerto is among the loveliest in the repertoire, setting the stage for every
starry-eyed wonder. The writing is as lavish and ornate as even the most ardent lover of Russian
Romantic music could wish at 335 its like some richly embroidered cloth winking and glinting
with a thousand different lights and colours. More generally, everything is seen through such a
personal and committed perspective that all sense of derivation or of a tale twice told is erased.
Such an overall impression would not, of course, occur if the performances were less skilful or
meticulously prepared. Throughout, Hamish Milne holds his head high, lucidly and affectionately
commanding cascades of notes, and he is stylishly partnered by Martyn Brabbins. There is
competition in the Second Concerto from the urbane and scintillating Howard Shelley who is rather
more immediately recorded on Chandos. But to have all three works on a single disc (the First
Concerto receiving its first recording) is an irresistible bonus.
Bryce Morrison, Gramophone, March 2003.



Sergei Lyapunov - Hamish Milne

Yet another programme that makes incomprehensible the narrow choice of 19th-century piano
concertos heard in our concert halls today (BBC Music Magazine) Russian melodic flavour,
colourful orchestration and sonorous piano writing is present in abundance throught this very
welcome release The combination of Lyapunovs complete piano-and-orchestra output on one
disc, in excellent performances and superb recorded sound, make a favourable recommendation
mandatory (International Record Review) ... With the risk of the laser beam totally ruining this new
Hyperion release from repeated playing, I am now prepared to throw away a few more symphonies
just to make room for more Lyapunov! (Pianist) Milne, as usual, offers resilient rhythms and
tightly focused phrasing marked by a refreshing attention to detail youre unlikely to hear a
better performance of this repertoire in the foreseeable future (Fanfare, USA) This is one of
the very best entries in Hyperions ongoing survey, and Im pleased to recommend it to you without
the slightest hesitation' (American Record Guide) This is bejewelled writing carried off with
spiritual and technical mastery by Milne (musicweb.uk.net) Theres no denying the
sumptuous virtuosity inherent in these pieces, which pianist Hamish Milne tosses off with obvious
relish and technical assurance (ClassicsToday.com)

Three languages-, 24 pages-booklet in .pdf format included.
Complete details of the Romantic Piano Concerto project can be found
at the Hyperion Records website (Indexes - Collections).
Quote:
Techn - The Romantic Piano Concerto, vol. 30
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Complete artwork included in .png and .pdf lossless format, scans at full 600 dpi. Text
pages not descreened.