A Moment Illuminating Eternity, Elégie,
RECITAL PROGRAMME - 2023/24
“A Moment Illuminating Eternity”
“I am a moment illuminating eternity”, this famous phrase by Alexander Scriabin reveals the essence of music and the role of the artist. It also refers to a state of grace that the pianist experiences on stage, being connected to the source of music whilst sharing it with the public. A perfect balance between lyricism and virtuosity, with well-known pieces and others, less often played, this unique and personal program by Irina Lankova combines timeless works by Chopin, Scriabin, and Rachmaninov, enlightening the finesse, depth, sensuality, and exaltation of their musical worlds.
The meaningful conception of this program is distinguished by the association of the most inspiring and spontaneous short works by three composers, which while echoing each other, create a new discourse as a whole. The pieces are played continuously, forming four groups of 15 to 20 minutes each, which are connected by a few comments with some fascinating keys to listening by the pianist: "Along with her deep and emotional interpretations, she gives short introductions to the music… she creates something less conventional where everyone feels welcomed", International Piano Magazine.
This program was recorded live during the performance in Salle Cortot Paris on October 13, 2023, and released on a CD a few weeks later.
A.Scriabin Etude Op.2 No.1 in C sharp Minor Andante (1887)
F.Chopin Nocturne Op.48 No.1 in C minor Lento (1842); Etude op.10 No.12 in C Minor Allegro con fuoco (1831)
S.Rachmaninov Prelude Op.23 No.4 in D Major (1903); Prelude Op.32 No.10 in B Minor (1910); Moment Musical Op.16 No.4 in E Minor, Presto (1896)
F.Chopin Nocturne Op.72 No.1 in E Minor Andante (1826), Prélude Op.28 No.4 Largo in E Minor (1839)
A.Scriabin Prelude Op.11 No.4 Lento in E Minor (1888); 5 Preludes Op.16 (1895); Etude Op.42 No.5 in C sharp Minor Affannato (1903)
F.Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu Op.66 in C sharp Minor, Rubinstein edition (1835)
F.Chopin Prelude Op.28 No.20 in C Minor (1839)
S.Rachmaninov Variations on a Theme of Chopin, Op.22, selection (1903)
F.Chopin Ballade No.1 in G Minor, Op.23 (1835)
"By titling her latest album "A Moment Illuminating Eternity" - a reference to Scriabin's famous phrase - Irina Lankova recalls what has always guided her as an artist. A personal, almost organic journey through pieces by Scriabin, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff, with some well-known pieces, but also rare gems. … there is a natural and genuine mastery that allows the music to dematerialise and resonate directly with the hearts…”
La Libre Belgique, Martine Dumont-Mergeay“…her playing always remains wonderfully delicate,
…she plays with extreme clarity, and always with that richness of differentiation that makes the selected works so unmistakable.”
Pizzicato Luxembourg, Remy Franck
“A musical journey where fire and passion compete with despair and introspection.
An inhabited performance filled with subtle nuances, particularly in Scriabin’s intimate works. A delightful album!”
L’Echo Belgique, Xavier Flament
Recital programme - 2022/23
“Elégie”
Elégie is a very personal selection of short and particularly emotional works by Rachmaninov and Schubert, which have accompanied me from my childhood in Russia to the present on the international stage.
Each piece has an intimate and deep meaning for me and holds a special place in my artistic journey.
During the concert, I present the programme to the audience with brief personal comments and historical facts.
Elégie album has been released on March 21, 2021 and is available on all platforms.
To read more / press quotes / personal notes: Elégie
S.Rachmaninov
Elegy Op.3 No.1
Etude-Tableaux Op.39 No.3 & Op.33 No.8
Préludes Op.32 No.12 & Op.23 No.7
S.Rachmaninov transcriptions
Vocalise Op.34 No.14 / Z.Kocsis
Zdes horosho Op.21 No.7 / I.Lankova
Liebesleid by F.Kreisler
F.Schubert
Impromptu No.3 Op. 90, D.899
Schubert/Liszt transcriptions
Ständchen D.957
Auf dem wasser zu singen D.774
Depending on the length of the concert, some pieces can be replaced or added: S.Rachmaninov Sonata No.2 Op.36 (version 1931) or A.Scriabin Sonata No.2 Op.19
““Beyond the virtuosity required by Rachmaninoff’s repertoire, there is this urgency, this romantic drama that weaves itself at the end of each melodic phrase. This dramatic power, this art of magnifying the sadness so characteristic of Russian culture, Irina Lankova serves it to us with no filter other than that of her soul” ”
Multimedia Concert piano and video
“Goldberg Visions”
GOLDBERG VISIONS
MULTIMEDIA CONCERT
PIANO AND FILM
At the end of his life, Bach imagined thirty variations from an Aria, between its initial appearance and its final metamorphosis. Each variation is a tireless quest for simplicity, sometimes to the point of abstraction. Each vision embodies on screen our fundamental connection with nature, the mystery of the passing time, and our fragility.
A grand piano, a large screen, a few subtle and discreet lights: we captured thirty-two fleeting moments, image and music intertwined. To read more / press quotes / personal notes: Goldberg Visions
Download the presentation of the project in pdf
““Utterly beautiful…”
“Remarkable…”
“Fascinating…”, ”
““Disarming authenticity…” ”
Narrated Concerts by irina lankova
“Piano Unveiled”
How can we enhance our listening experience?
Piano Unveiled is not an ordinary concert… It is a concept of unconventional, personal, and inclusive experience, a narrated journey into the classical music world and the art of piano playing.
Passionate about her art and willing to communicate more with her audience, Irina Lankova started her narrated concerts Piano Unveiled in 2016.
By making short introductions with some fascinating keys to listening, personal comments, historical links, and parallels with other forms of art, Irina Lankova makes the classical concert even more exciting and interesting but also more relaxed and accessible for wider audiences.
Piano Unveiled at SALLE GAVEAU PARIS
““Along with her deep and emotional interpretations, she gives short introductions to the music... and creates something less conventional where everyone feels welcomed””
““Irina Lankova will make you fall in love with classical music””
““Generous pianist, who designs the concerts of tomorrow…” ”
Piano Unveiled also exists on YouTube as a short video series about the art of piano playing and classical music :
Concertos
J.S.Bach Concerto No.5 in f minor BWV 1056; Concerto No.7 in g minor BWV1058
L.van Beethoven Concerto No.3, No.4, No.5, Choral Fantasy
W.A. Mozart Concertos No.21 and No.23
F. Chopin Concertos No.1 et No.2
S. Rachmaninov Concertos No.2, No.3, Variations on the theme of Paganini
C. Franck Symphonic Variations
E. Grieg Concerto
F. Poulenc Concerto
R. Schumann Concerto Op.54; Introduction & Allegro Appassionato Op.92
A. Scriabin Concerto Op.20