The world of classical music is replete with esteemed composers who have left an indelible mark on the genre. One such composer is Nikolai Kapustin, a Russian maestro known for his contributions to the realm of contemporary classical music. Among his notable works are the Concert Etudes, a set of pieces that have garnered significant attention from pianists and music enthusiasts alike. For those interested in exploring these remarkable compositions, the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) offers a treasure trove of resources. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Kapustin's Concert Etudes and discover the wealth of information available on IMSLP.
Since Kapustin’s music was long published by Schott Music (Germany) and exclusively distributed in the West, scores were expensive and hard to find. IMSLP has changed that for public domain works, but : Kapustin died in 2020. In most of the world (EU, UK, US), his works are still under copyright until at least 2040. kapustin concert etudes imslp
The reason pianists brave the copyright hurdles of IMSLP to find Kapustin’s Concert Etudes is simple: the piano literature has nothing else like them. They are the missing link between Vladimir Horowitz and Herbie Hancock. In 30 years, Op. 40 will be as standard as Chopin’s Etudes. For now, it remains a secret weapon for the adventurous pianist. The world of classical music is replete with
The Eight Concert Etudes , Op. 40, composed in 1984, are the purest distillation of this aesthetic. They are unapologetically difficult, rhythmically intoxicating, and harmonically brilliant. IMSLP has changed that for public domain works,
As of the latest update, no, the full sheet music for Kapustin’s Op. 40 is not freely available for download on IMSLP in most jurisdictions. Nikolai Kapustin (1937–2020) was a late 20th– and early 21st-century composer. His works remain under copyright protection in the European Union (life + 70 years) and the United States (for works published after 1978, copyright lasts 95 years from publication).