Notice
Several years ago, virtuoso Vladimir Mikulka’s premiere performance of The Prince’s Toys introduced the work of the innovative Sovjet composer Nikita Koshkin to the classical guitar world in the West. This rnonth’s exclusive Soundpage recording —which 32-year-old Koshkin presented to Guitar Player in Moscow this past June— demonstrates that his musical talents also encompass instrumental mastery and passion.
Dedicated to George Clinton, the publisher of Britain’s Guitar International, and to “the brotherhood of all guitarists in the world,” “Guitar” stylistically embraces Tarrega’s romanticism and Villa- Lobos’ flair for the idiomatic while remaining a dynamic, original musical statement. Although Koshkin prefers composition and humbly doesn’t consider himself a guitarist, his playing is oncommonly commanding and articulate.
Nikita Koshkin’s large-scale works are particularly noteworthy for their compositional use of ingenious guitar techniques, polyphony, and orchestral nature —how they make the guitar sound larger than it actually is. While “Guitar” is smaller in concept, throughout it makes unobtrusive use of compositional devices, such as extended harmonies, harmonic sequences, modulation, pedal point, and changes in mood.
Koshkin has been composing for over a decade, but only a handful of his pieces are currently in print in the West. However, Finland’s Chorus Publications (Box 1,01101, Ostersundom, Finland) and Editions Orphee (Box2l 291 Columbus, OH 43221) are currently working on forthcoming folios. Next month’s Guitar Player cover story —U.S.S.R. Guitar— features revealing, in-depth interviews with Nikita Koshkin and other Russian players. Don’t miss it! The text above is the story from Guitar Player November 1988.
Nikita Koshkin also recorded this song on the CD The Prince´s Toys - Koshkin plays Koshkin (Soundset recordings SR 1011).
I (almost strictly) followed the guidelines and fingerings of the score, but Koshkin plays very rubato. I took the starting tempo to set the Tempo Marker, but listen to the story of the notes, if you can´t find the recording.
