Konstantin Vassiliev (b. 1970)
- Hommage a Tom Jobim; Cavatina; Rose in the Snow; Fatum; Wanderer in Time; The Jazz Story; Canto e Danza; El Faro magico; Obrio für 2 Gitarren; Synestha; Danza fortaleza Nr. 7 "Cinderella"; 2 Russian Pieces für 2 Gitarren
Yuri Liberzon, Patrick O'Connell (Guitars)
Konstantin Vassiliev’s music synthesises several different styles including jazz, Russian folk music and contemporary Western traditions. This album contains music written over a 22-year period, with three works composed specifically for guitar soloist Yuri Liberzon. The Hommage à Tom Jobim was inspired by one of the creators of the bossa nova style, while the melancholic and lyrical contrasts of Rose in the Snow reveal Vassiliev’s gift for storytelling. Arias, romantic miniatures, variations and multi-character episodes further reveal Vassiliev to be a vibrant and exciting composer of wide-ranging gifts.
Yuri Liberzon has transcribed music of Domenico Scarlatti and Johann Sebastian Bach for guitar. His transcriptions have been published in SoundBoard magazine and are distributed in Europe by Bergmann Edition.
Classical Guitar Magazine wrote of him, ‘If there were anyone in the classical guitar world that could manage to combine musical elegance with architectural logic, it would be Yuri Liberzon.’
‘He played virtually without flaws but not without taking risks. He played with warmth and musicality and a care for the notes, like a great chef preparing a marvellous musical banquet’, also wrote Marlow Guitar Series.
His guitar partner from the group Duo Equilibrium, Patrick O’Connell, joins him for two pieces – Obrío and the Two Russian Pieces.