SÁNDOR BALASSA (b.1935): Complete Piano Music, Vol. 1 - 5 Brothers, Op. 5, Letters from the Reservation, Op. 87, 2 Pieces, Op. 137, Sonatina No. 1, Op. 23/5*, From an Old Chest - Book I, Op. 113* and Book II, Op. 120. * - First Recordings.

Description: Before Hungaroton’s privatization back in the 00s, this would surely have appeared there - Hungarian composer, artist and recording locations. Collectors who own Balassa’s attractive and approachable orchestral releases which we’ve offered over the years on Hungaroton will be a little surprised at the genre of the miniature that he favors in at least these pieces here. Balassa’s uniquely sophisticated textures, timbres and lyrical style can be heard in works for young pianists, one of them originally written for cimbalom (Letters), and in the Baroque references and sweeping momentum of the Sonatina. István Kassai (piano).