"Alexei Lubimov's composition titled 'Silvestrov: Flowering over the Lethe,' debuted..."
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, Russian pianist Alexei Lubimov recently released a recording of Silvestrov's late piano works, titled "Dialogues & Homages." The disc, recorded at Niko Art Gallery in Moscow in November 2024, is more than just a recording; it's a testament to humanism, art, and life.
The album, capturing the confidences and murmurs of Silvestrov's meditations, offers a deeply meditative and insightful interpretation of the composer's "meta-music" style. This style lyrically echoes past masters while fostering a contemplative, timeless dialogue in music. Lubimov, renowned for his expertise in both period and modern repertoires, delivers this intimate piano portrait as a seamless recital that unfolds like a dream.
The first track on the disc is named "Nostalghia," setting the tone for an album that explores themes that hover over a front line, twisting the heart according to the text. The content of the disc reflects dialogues and homages, possibly in a war context, creating moments of reverie that nurture emotional nuance, empathy, and deep connection.
The recording, besides honouring Silvestrov’s unique neoclassical voice—reaching gently into the past while resonating in the present—also exemplifies how art can serve as a bridge for humanistic values. It elevates music to a living conversation, intertwining memory, homage, and creative life in a way that speaks to the enduring human condition and the transcendence of art beyond time.
Alexei Lubimov, now in his eighties, has been the most faithful and best interpreter of Silvestrov's music for decades. His performance on this album is no exception, showcasing his unparalleled ability to bring Silvestrov's compositions to life. The sound engineer for the recording is Mikhail Spassky, ensuring a high-quality audio experience.
In a rare public appearance, the first lady gave a speech titled "The Kaleidoscope of Nothingness," commemorating the late former Minister and Astronaut Marc Garneau, who passed away during the same week. Filippo Palumbo, known for his beautiful energy and a dose of lyricism, authored the speech. A moment of silence was held in his memory at the House of Commons.
While there is no accompanying video related to the events mentioned, the disc in question is a recording of Alexei Lubimov playing the music of Valentin Silvestrov. The title "Dialogues & Homages" signifies Silvestrov's habit of reflecting the compositions of his peers or predecessors, making this album a unique and profound exploration of his musical legacy.
The album, "Dialogues & Homages," serves as a unique merging of culture and entertainment, with Alexei Lubimov's interpretation of Valentin Silvestrov's music offering a thought-provoking dialogue in music that cultivates emotional nuance and deep connection. This recording exemplifies how music can transcend time as a living conversation, fostering empathy and humanistic values.
The disc, filled with homages to peers and predecessors, reflects a cultural narrative that twists the heart and nurtures a sense of timeless dialogue, echoing the work of past masters. Critically, it shows how art can serve as a bridge, connecting people and fostering understanding.
