Legacy
) | Label: Catalog: ICSM 002 Format: COMPACT DISC Varbanov, IvoThe first release of Ivo Varbanov on ICSM Records features the last piano works by Ludwig van Beethoven (Bagatelles Op. 126), Robert Schumann (Gesänge der Frühe Op. 133), and the piano transcription of Ferruccio Busoni of 6 of the 11 Choral Preludes for organ Op. 122 by Johannes Brahms. More than a search for ultimate messages, this recording is a philosophical journey in the late lives of Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms, performed by Varbanov in a minimalist but poignant way. Ivo Varbanov is a leading figure of Bulgarian music and culture abroad. After a forced stop from performing from 2009 to 2012 due to Leukaemia he has returned to the stage with impressive performances at Royal Festival Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, King’s Place in the Brahms Unwrapped season, and at Cadogan Hall. He is a recipient of the Ivan Vazov Award for the popularisation of Bulgarian Culture abroad, and in 2011 he was also awarded the Silver Lion Award from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “This whole recital…is pungent and intriguing.” — Huntley Dent, Fanfare  Price: $27.98 |