Over the recent years the Union of Bulgarian Composers has produced a series of CDs to deliver the cream of Bulgaria’s serious music. Featuring in the series is the album of solo pieces for clarinet in the rendition of Rossen Idealov. Listen first to Quasi Rondino by Yovcho Krushev.
Born in the Black Sea city of Varna Rossen Idealov graduated the music school in his home city first and then - Pancho Vladigerov Music Academy in Sofia. He is the most famous Bulgarian clarinetist from his generation, and an experienced professor. He trains pupils in Lybomir Pipkoc School of Music, students at the Music Academy, as well as young chamber musicians. Many of his students have won prestigious prizes. “I am convinced that young musicians should be well-versed in Bulgarian music, so as to be able to choose their repertoire more freely”, Rossen Idealov contends. Listen to him with Elegy Exprompt by Assen Markov.
“I am made happy by the fact that there is keen interest in an album complete with Bulgarian works for clarinet”, the famous musician says further. “The title ‘Reminiscences’ unites all pieces symbolically. There is something very personal about this word. Many years ago my friend and colleague Danko Yordanov wrote ‘Reminiscences’, the first piece composed especially for me. This has introduced me to the challenge and the pleasure of the first rendition of a new work of music. Most of the works that I have selected for this CD have been written especially for me, and I have given their first renditions. There are two exceptions: Elegy Expromot by Assen Markov and Song by Marin Goleminov. I have included Markov’s work because he was very talented, but little known, because he died very young. As to Song, I think it is a wonderful example of excellent Bulgarian serious music, worthy of the label ‘classics’”.
Listen to Song by 20 c. classic Marin Goleminov.
In the CD the accompaniment to Rossen Idealov’s clarinet is delivered by pianist Maria Mircheva. Anaida Akopyan, Lyudmil Nenchev and Dragomir Yossifov also partner with Mr. Idealov. The composers whose works have been included in the disc, represent different generations of musicians.
“I have included music by Prof. Yovcho Krushev who is among the first composers to have written works for me. His Sonatina is performed very often. It is frequently selected for competitions. I should like to point out that many of the works in the CD are played abroad as well. They are promoted by Bulgarian musicians who work abroad. In this way the CD has its value for students and young musicians. I think that they have to pay special attention to composers such as Lazar Nikolov, Velislav Zaimov and Artin Poturlyan. I am grateful to the Union of Bulgarian Composers for its programs in which performers selects the best from the Bulgarian professional school of music.”
For his outstanding career as performer and pedagogue, as well as for the album that we presented to you, Rossen Idealov was awarded with the Golden Lyre, the top prize of the Union of Musicians and Dancers in Bulgaria. We wind up Timeout for Music with Allegro, a movement from Sonatina for clarinet and piano by Yovcho Krushev.
Translated by Daniela Konstantinova
