Composer: Maxim Shalygin
Program note:
This monographic program offers the listener an opportunity to immerse themselves in the composer’s style – from his first major piano work to his most recent compositions. Shalygin’s music ranges from fragile tenderness and meditation to extreme forms of expression: dynamics, tempi, and emotions.
Shalygin’s journey with the piano music began early, with his first major composition, ‘9 Preludes’ for piano solo, written at the age of 18. Since then, the piano has remained central to his work. However, solo piano compositions did not occupy a prominent place in his repertoire for much of his career. Shalygin felt unprepared to undertake larger works for the instrument. This changed with the creation of the étude ‘Au vent sur la pointe des pieds’ (2019), ‘Angel’ (2020) for solo piano, and ‘Delirium’ (2023) for four pianos. These pieces marked a turning point, as they gave Maxim the confidence that his technique had matured enough to explore new possibilities for the piano in a solo format on a larger scale.
For any composer, writing a piano étude represents a significant milestone in artistic development. Among the most renowned contributors to the étude repertoire are Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Ligeti, John Cage, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, and Messiaen. The challenge lies in the medium itself; few things are as demanding as creating études for the piano in the 21st century. Études hold a unique power, as they expose the essence of musical thought and leave no room for insincerity. While one might question whether there are still uncharted paths in this genre, such doubts seldom concern those with an exploratory and pioneering spirit.
Shalygin’s collaboration with Ukrainian pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi was a vital source of inspiration for the creation of Fetus Études. Baryshevskyi, a laureate of prestigious international competitions such as the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, Premio Jaén, and the F. Busoni International Piano Competition, has played a crucial role in bringing Shalygin’s études to life. After fleeing Ukraine following the Russian invasion, Antonii settled in the Netherlands, where he continues his artistic career.
One of Baryshevskyi’s remarkable qualities is his passion for contemporary music, alongside his extensive repertoire of classical works. For Baryshevskyi, the boundary between “classical” and “modern” is fluid, as every masterpiece of the past was once contemporary music. He believes that a performer’s role is to bring new compositions to life, translating them into sound and ensuring their place in the evolving musical canon. Baryshevskyi has performed Shalygin’s works since their student days at the Kyiv Conservatory. Despite Shalygin’s move to the Netherlands in 2010, the two maintained a close creative bond, and during this period, several solo pieces were written for Baryshevskyi.
After the war in Ukraine began in 2022, Maxim facilitated Antonii’s relocation to the Netherlands, helping him integrate into the Dutch music scene. This period, marked by tragic events, brought the pianist and composer even closer, fostering a new phase of mutual creative growth that culminated in the creation of three new études: ‘TO ALL ALIVE’, ‘TO ALL RESURRECTED’ and ‘TO ALL IN LOVE’. These three grand works completed the Fetus Études series, showcasing Shalygin’s matured artistic vision and his innovative approach to the solo piano repertoire.
Music Album
TO ALL ALIVE
TO ALL ALIVE is a music album representing the culmination of a 15-year collaboration between pianist Antonii Baryshevskyi and composer Maxim Shalygin. The album is a double-sided CD, with its digital release planned for 30th January 2025, coinciding with the composer’s 40th birthday. A concert-presentation will follow on 1st February 2025 at Paleiskerk in The Hague, organized by Classical NOW!.
The music album TO ALL ALIVE fulfills a long-cherished wish: a recording of the piano works that Shalygin composed between 2004 and 2024, many of which were written specifically for Baryshevskyi, who has been a profound source of inspiration for the composer. Spanning two decades, these works reflect a deep friendship, a shared creative journey, and mutual artistic development. They also stand as a testament to their tireless commitment to enriching the piano repertoire with groundbreaking new works.
In a time when territorial, legal, and moral boundaries are being blurred by tragic events, producing a professional audio recording of Shalygin’s solo piano compositions became deeply significant for both creators. The project, titled TO ALL ALIVE, showcases the rich and vibrant musical universe they have created together. This universe is defined by its delicate yet steadfast beauty, embodying a resilient spirit of goodness and hope even in times of adversity.
The album and its presentation contribute significantly to the development of modern piano music. They emphasize the relevance of contemporary piano works for today’s audiences, challenging the prevailing trend of viewing the piano primarily as a historical instrument due to the dominance of classical repertoire in concert programs. This project raises important questions about the performer’s role in shaping musical culture and enhancing the listener’s experience, while simultaneously offering profound answers.
Program:
Maxim Shalygin
Set I
9 Preludes (2005)
Set II
Fetus Etudes for solo piano:
I. To All Alive (2023)
II. Angel (2020)
Ill. Etude «Au vent sur la pointe des pieds» (2019)
Musician:
Antonii Baryshevskyi, piano