Balakirev’s appreciation of other composers is reflected in transcriptions that also reveal his brilliance as a pianist. With several world premiere recordings, this programme includes the marvelous balalaika sonorities and virtuoso colors to be found in operas by Glinka, the novel concept of dovetailing preludes by Chopin, and the richness of Beethoven’s string quartets. A plaintive Gondola Song, the relentlessly energetic Tarantelle and Balakirev’s earliest surviving piano opus conclude this fifth volume in Nicholas Walker’s acclaimed complete edition of his piano works. Nicholas Walker studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Moscow Conservatoire. Winner of the first Newport International Piano competition, he has performed with major British orchestras, given recitals worldwide, and recorded for the BBC, BMG Arte Nova, ASV, Chandos and Danacord labels. He is also sought after as an imaginative and sensitive accompanist. In 2010 he organized the Balakirev Centenary concerts in London. He also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music.