Kapustin Sonata for Flute and Piano-Schott

Composer and pianist, Nikolai Kapustin (1937-2020) was born in Gorlovka, Ukraine. At 14, he moved to Moscow and received piano lessons from Awrelian Rubach, who was taught by Felix Blumenfeld, also Vladimir Horowitz’s teacher. Rubach encouraged Kapustin’s growing interest in jazz music. From 1956, Kapustin studied with Alexander Goldenweiser at the Moscow Conservatory, earning his diploma in 1961. During this time, he played in various jazz ensembles, had his own quintet, and was part of Juri Saulski’s Big Band. In 1957, he made his breakthrough as a composer with his Concertino for Piano and Orchestra Op. 1 written for the band.

After his studies, Kapustin joined Oleg Lundstrem’s orchestra, composing more works and touring the Soviet Union as a pianist. From 1972 to 1977, he worked with Boris Karamischev’s orchestra, leading to his Piano Concerto No. 2 op. 14, including strings, unlike his previous works.

In 1980, Kapustin became a member of the Union of Russian Composers, encouraging him to compose more actively. He uses jazz elements in classical forms such as sonata, concerto, prelude, fugue, and more. His works showcase lively virtuosity and motor rhythms, reminiscent of Bach’s keyboard works. Although his music is jazz-influenced, Kapustin doesn’t consider himself a jazz musician. His works include over 100 pieces, from piano concertos and orchestral pieces to solo piano compositions. His music gained recognition internationally through performances by various pianists.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Kapustin