Abram Chasins: Homage to Godowsky
Immerse yourself in the timeless piano compositions of Abram Chasins in "Homage to Godowsky: Piano Works Dedicated to Leopold Godowsky", masterfully performed by Andrey Gugnin. As part of the STAGE+ program, Gugnin channels Chasins' abundant themes and color in a tribute to his mentor, Leopold Godowsky. This performance not only showcases Gugnin's exceptional talent but navigates listeners through the intriguing and panoramic sound world of Chasins.
About Abram Chasins
Abram Chasins, an American composer, pianist, and radio executive, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with compelling works that are rich in melody and harmony. Born in New York City, he was educated at the Ethical Culture School and continued his studies at the Juilliard School of Music and the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. His multifaceted career included concert performances, composition, teaching, authorship, and influential roles in music broadcasting, particularly at radio station WQXR where he served as music director from 1946 to 1965.
Chasins and Leopold Godowsky
Having been a protégé of Leopold Godowsky -- a renowned pianist and composer of the late 19th and early 20th centuries -- Chasins' compositions are often seen as a beautiful continuation of his master's legacy. Chasins was deeply embedded in the world of piano virtuosity. His professional and artistic network included many of the 20th century’s greatest pianists, including Godowsky, to whom he dedicated works and maintained great admiration.
Piano Works Dedicated to Godowsky
Chasins’s homage to Leopold Godowsky comes through in his elegantly crafted piano works that reflect both technical brilliance and musical wit. His "Homage to Godowsky" includes piano miniatures and character pieces, which stand as tributes to Godowsky's legacy of pianistic refinement. These works are noted for their romantic color and virtuoso demands—qualities that made them popular with leading pianists of the era and that resonate with the spirit of Godowsky’s own compositions.
Andrey Gugnin's Performance
In this performance, Gugnin's deft pianism brings forth the droplets of sentimentality and powerful ardor that Chasins weaves into his cherished works. With his technique and interpretive prowess, Gugnin has the ability to elicit various emotions from listeners, enveloping them in an emotional journey that resonates with the human spirit.
Experience the captivating allure and sublime melodies of Abram Chasins's piano compositions on STAGE+. Be entranced by Andrey Gugnin's spectacular performance of "Homage to Godowsky", a testimony to the beauty and the legacy of Chasins and his mentor, Godowsky. Allow yourself the pleasure of transporting your senses to an era of classical brilliance and unmistakable craftsmanship. Explore the fascinating works of Abram Chasins, as presented in an immersive performance by Andrey Gugnin.