Lesser known Russian/Soviet composers

[Roy Bland]

22 february 2026
 «RACHMANINOV» moscow conservatoire
Jurij Levitin
Opera lyric « dirt eater"
conductor: Olga Ignatkina
Evgenij Safroshkin e Maria Lesovicenko (piano)
Varvara Soyfer (organ)
Anastasia Kosarskaja (oboe)

[Roy Bland]

[Roy Bland]

[Roy Bland]

Butsko Organ works

[Symphonic Addict]

To be released on 6 March 2026:



Kashperova, besides a composer, was the piano teacher of Stravinsky, so it puts extra interest on this coming release.

This release succeeded my expectations by some margin. Even though the symphony is firmly rooted in a very romantic tradition, say, à la Glazunov (with some nods to the Austro-Germans), it's so nicely crafted, tuneful and doesn't outstay its welcome at all. It flows smoothly, goes to the point and feels well proportioned. The 2nd movement is thoroughly delightful and pellucid. For some people the whole work could be too "nice" (including her student Stravinsky if he knew it), but it's undeniably enchanting and life-affirming in some way. The majestic ending confirms that quality very well.

The same features could apply to the piano concerto, and this is the work that truly sold me. How can a piece of music be this LOVELY?!?! The very opening states an imposing demeanor, the perfect element to grab you. It remains a little that way in the first half of the movement, but the rest of it has a more eloquent nature. The melodies don't fail to put you in the right mood, they're gorgeous. Then the second movement... the core of the piece. This is one of the most diaphanous slow movements I've encountered lately. It may even soften the toughest hearts. Pristine music to die for. The final 3rd movement combines gracefulness with intense lyricism, just like exhibiting some cute rhythmic gestures. If you're allergic to idyllic music of the utmost essence, steer clear of it. Otherwise, rejoice in this absolutely endearing concerto. For that piece alone, it makes this release more than welcome.

It received a great review on here:

https://musicwebinternational.com/2026/03/kashperova-piano-concerto-symphony-in-b-capriccio/

[Mapman]

This release succeeded my expectations by some margin. Even though the symphony is firmly rooted in a very romantic tradition, say, à la Glazunov (with some nods to the Austro-Germans), it's so nicely crafted, tuneful and doesn't outstay its welcome at all. It flows smoothly, goes to the point and feels well proportioned. The 2nd movement is thoroughly delightful and pellucid. For some people the whole work could be too "nice" (including her student Stravinsky if he knew it), but it's undeniably enchanting and life-affirming in some way. The majestic ending confirms that quality very well.

The same features could apply to the piano concerto, and this is the work that truly sold me. How can a piece of music be this LOVELY?!?! The very opening states an imposing demeanor, the perfect element to grab you. It remains a little that way in the first half of the movement, but the rest of it has a more eloquent nature. The melodies don't fail to put you in the right mood, they're gorgeous. Then the second movement... the core of the piece. This is one of the most diaphanous slow movements I've encountered lately. It may even soften the toughest hearts. Pristine music to die for. The final 3rd movement combines gracefulness with intense lyricism, just like exhibiting some cute rhythmic gestures. If you're allergic to idyllic music of the utmost essence, steer clear of it. Otherwise, rejoice in this absolutely endearing concerto. For that piece alone, it makes this release more than welcome.

It received a great review on here:

https://musicwebinternational.com/2026/03/kashperova-piano-concerto-symphony-in-b-capriccio/

It seems that your posts are only the 2nd and 3rd on this forum about Kashperova—the first was mine about an upcoming Detroit Symphony Orchestra livestream of the Symphony. I never posted comments after the performance, but I recall enjoying the symphony. At the time I don't think there were any available recordings, so it's great that a CD has been issued. The DSO stream is archived here: https://livefromorchestrahall.vhx.tv/videos/leokadiya-kashperova-symphony-in-b-minor

It seems like Detroit's music director, Jader Bignamini likes Kashperova, as he will be conducting the Piano Concerto next season, with pianist Alexandra Dariescu. The concert will be streamed on October 17, 2026 a 8 PM Eastern. For several years the streams have been free, so this one will likely be too. Mark your calendars! (I'll also probably post closer to the date.)

[foxandpeng]

This release succeeded my expectations by some margin. Even though the symphony is firmly rooted in a very romantic tradition, say, à la Glazunov (with some nods to the Austro-Germans), it's so nicely crafted, tuneful and doesn't outstay its welcome at all. It flows smoothly, goes to the point and feels well proportioned. The 2nd movement is thoroughly delightful and pellucid. For some people the whole work could be too "nice" (including her student Stravinsky if he knew it), but it's undeniably enchanting and life-affirming in some way. The majestic ending confirms that quality very well.

The same features could apply to the piano concerto, and this is the work that truly sold me. How can a piece of music be this LOVELY?!?! The very opening states an imposing demeanor, the perfect element to grab you. It remains a little that way in the first half of the movement, but the rest of it has a more eloquent nature. The melodies don't fail to put you in the right mood, they're gorgeous. Then the second movement... the core of the piece. This is one of the most diaphanous slow movements I've encountered lately. It may even soften the toughest hearts. Pristine music to die for. The final 3rd movement combines gracefulness with intense lyricism, just like exhibiting some cute rhythmic gestures. If you're allergic to idyllic music of the utmost essence, steer clear of it. Otherwise, rejoice in this absolutely endearing concerto. For that piece alone, it makes this release more than welcome.

It received a great review on here:

https://musicwebinternational.com/2026/03/kashperova-piano-concerto-symphony-in-b-capriccio/

Ooh, cool. New to me!

[Symphonic Addict]

It seems that your posts are only the 2nd and 3rd on this forum about Kashperova—the first was mine about an upcoming Detroit Symphony Orchestra livestream of the Symphony. I never posted comments after the performance, but I recall enjoying the symphony. At the time I don't think there were any available recordings, so it's great that a CD has been issued. The DSO stream is archived here: https://livefromorchestrahall.vhx.tv/videos/leokadiya-kashperova-symphony-in-b-minor

It seems like Detroit's music director, Jader Bignamini likes Kashperova, as he will be conducting the Piano Concerto next season, with pianist Alexandra Dariescu. The concert will be streamed on October 17, 2026 a 8 PM Eastern. For several years the streams have been free, so this one will likely be too. Mark your calendars! (I'll also probably post closer to the date.)

Thanks for the alert, and yes, Kashperova deserves more exposure which she's gaining little by little lately. Very good music that doesn't need to be groundbreaking to make an impression.