Arthur Lourié

Arthur Lourié (1892-1966) was a fascinating Russian composer and pianist who bridged avant-garde experimentation and neoclassical elegance. Born in Saint Petersburg, he became a key figure in early 20th-century modernist circles, rubbing shoulders with artists like Vladimir Mayakovsky and aligning with the Russian Futurist movement. His early works, like the delicate *5 Préludes Fragiles, Op. 1*, showcase his flair for impressionistic harmonies, while pieces like *Futurpiano* reveal his bold, experimental side. After emigrating from Soviet Russia in the 1920s, he settled in Paris and later New York, where his style evolved into a cleaner, spiritually infused neoclassicism, often drawing inspiration from medieval music and religious themes.

Lourié’s piano works—now celebrated in recordings like his *Complete Piano Works* series—blend poetic introspection with playful modernity. A close friend of Igor Stravinsky, he also composed vocal music, like his haunting *Chant funèbre sur la mort d’un poète*, written in memory of poet Anna Akhmatova’s first husband. Though less widely known today, his music offers a unique glimpse into the crosscurrents of 20th-century art, from radical Futurism to refined tradition.

Genres

Avant-garde

Latest Release

Lourié: 5 Préludes Fragiles, Op. 1

Arthur Lourié

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released December 6, 2024