Genari Korganov: Berceuse for piano (Schirmer's Anthology of Russian Piano Music 1902)

Performed by Christian Dillig (piano, Steinway M)

The Berceuse by Genari Korganov is part of a selection of Russian piano music compiled around 1902 by the German-American pianist and editor Louis Oesterle for the renowned music publisher G. Schirmer in New York. Here, "Russian" does not mean nationally Russian in today’s sense but rather refers to compositions by composers who were born and worked within the Russian Empire. Thus, the collection also includes composers from Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. The aim of this anthology was to present outstanding piano miniatures from the 19th century within the Russian Empire and make them accessible to a broad audience. However, it should be noted that Schirmer had likely already published many of these pieces elsewhere, making this collection more of a curated selection.

The inclusion of three pieces by Korganov in this anthology indicates that, although largely forgotten today, he was regarded as a promising composer in his time. His music was deemed valuable enough to be published alongside works by more well-known composers. I have already recorded his Waltz from this collection, which can be found here:    • Genari Korganov: Valse (brillante) op. 20 ...  

Eastern music has been close to my heart since childhood, and I am building a playlist featuring selections from anthologies of so-called Russian piano music. I particularly recommend the volume Russian Piano Music by Oskar von Riesemann, which marks the starting point of this playlist.    • Best-of editions and anthologies of Russia...  

Genari Korganov (1858–1890) was born in Kvareli, Georgia, and received his musical education in Leipzig and Saint Petersburg. His music is characterized by a versatile style: on the one hand, he embraced the Western Romantic tradition, particularly influenced by Chopin and Tchaikovsky; on the other hand, he incorporated elements of Russian, Armenian, and Georgian music into his compositions. According to the musicologist Sh. Apoyan, Korganov’s works with Armenian themes hold particular significance for the development of Armenian piano music. His early death at just 31 years old prevented a further unfolding of his potential, yet today his music may be experiencing a slow rediscovery. I have already recorded some of his pieces and plan to record more in the future.    • Genari Korganov: Album for the Youth for P...  

The French word Berceuse means "lullaby" and refers to a musical genre characterized by gentle, swaying rhythms, often evoking the act of lulling a child to sleep with soft melodies. Famous examples of this genre can be found in the works of Chopin, Liszt, and Fauré. Korganov’s Berceuse follows this tradition and showcases his gift for melody. Here is a playlist of Berceuses and lullabies I have recorded:    • Lullabies - Romantic piano music to relax ...  

This piece begins in a major key, unfolding a gently flowing, rocking motion. In the middle section, Korganov transitions into a minor key, creating a melancholic and dreamy atmosphere before returning to the original key in the final section. A brief coda gradually slows the tempo, allowing the music to fade softly—a musical depiction of falling asleep.


I have already published from the anthology on youtube:
Rebikov: Mazurka, Op.8 No.9    • Vladimir Rebikov: Mazurka op. 8 No. 8 - op...  
Tchaikovsky: Rêverie interrompue, Op.40 No.12    • Pyotr Tchaikovsky: Reverie interrompue op....  
Scriabin: Prelude, Op.2 No.2    • Alexander Skriabin (17 years old): Prelude...  
Pachulski: Chant sans paroles, Op.3 No.1www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4RBpM6brcM
Korganov: Berceuse, Op.22 No.3    • Genari Korganov: Berceuse for piano (Schir...  
Lyadov: Une tabatière à musique, Op.32    • Anatoly Lyadov: The Music Box op. 32 (von ...  
Korganov: Valse, Op.20 No.3    • Genari Korganov: Valse (brillante) op. 20 ...  
Yuferov: Elegie    • Sergei Yuferov:  Élégie in F major op. 1 N...  
Ilyinsky: Berceuse, Op.13    • Alexander Ilyinsky: Berceuse op. 13 No. 7,...  
Scriabin: Etude, Op.2 No.1    • Alexander Skriabin (15 years old): Etude o...