Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Cavatina (1951)
I. Preludio
II. Zarabanda
III. Scherzino
IV. Barcarola
V. Danza Pomposa
Ernesto Bitetti, guitar
Polish-born Alexandre Tansman (1897) is pianist, conductor, and one of today’s most important composers for the guitar. In a very unusual personal feat, he was awarded both first and second prizes for composition in 1919; it was accomplished by the young composer who submitted two different works, each under a different pseudonym. Later, in association with Ravel, he established himself as both pianist and conductor in Paris and later in the United States. During his years away from his native home Tansman retained his national and personal characteristics. His refined and sensitive art probably derives as much from syncopated rhythms and French-influenced modes of expression as from its original, strongly Polish quality. Tansman’s composing style has been compared to Chopin, who was a strong early influence, to Stravinsky, and Ravel, with music full of lyric tenderness and subtle melancholy. His works include symphonies, ballets, chamber music and oratorio. Tansman’s Cavatina for solo guitar received the first International Prize at the Academia Chigiana in Siena in 1951. It is a suite in the modern sense, beginning with a prelude, followed by a group of dances and ending with a light, frothy piece. [MS-871 Stereo]
Art by Wilhelm Sasnal
Cavatina (1951)
I. Preludio
II. Zarabanda
III. Scherzino
IV. Barcarola
V. Danza Pomposa
Ernesto Bitetti, guitar
Polish-born Alexandre Tansman (1897) is pianist, conductor, and one of today’s most important composers for the guitar. In a very unusual personal feat, he was awarded both first and second prizes for composition in 1919; it was accomplished by the young composer who submitted two different works, each under a different pseudonym. Later, in association with Ravel, he established himself as both pianist and conductor in Paris and later in the United States. During his years away from his native home Tansman retained his national and personal characteristics. His refined and sensitive art probably derives as much from syncopated rhythms and French-influenced modes of expression as from its original, strongly Polish quality. Tansman’s composing style has been compared to Chopin, who was a strong early influence, to Stravinsky, and Ravel, with music full of lyric tenderness and subtle melancholy. His works include symphonies, ballets, chamber music and oratorio. Tansman’s Cavatina for solo guitar received the first International Prize at the Academia Chigiana in Siena in 1951. It is a suite in the modern sense, beginning with a prelude, followed by a group of dances and ending with a light, frothy piece. [MS-871 Stereo]
Art by Wilhelm Sasnal
