Richard Egarr and Alexandra Nepomnyashchaya – Russian Grand Piano by Jakob Becker piano of c.1886-7

This programme includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No 4 in F minor, arranged by Taneyev and the Andante from Mozart’s Sonata for piano, 4 hands in F major, played on the Russian Jakob Becker piano of c.1886-7. Sergei Taneyev was Tchaikovsky’s finest student and closest friend. He would often show him his latest works, and seek his advice. The transcription of the mighty and fateful 4th Symphony for piano 4-hands was entrusted to Taneyev and published at the same time as the original orchestral score.

Alexandra Nepomnyashchaya won top prizes at competitions including the International Festival of Early Music in Austria, the All-Russian Harpsichord Competition in St. Petersburg, the Prague Spring International Competition and the International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition Leipzig in 2014.

Richard Egarr has been Music Director of the Academy of Ancient Music since 2006, establishing the choir of the AAM and performing Monteverdi operas and oratorio at the Barbican and at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées. As well as a conductor, Richard Egarr gives recitals across the world as a solo harpsichordist.