Sergei Mikhailovich Lyapunov (1859–1924) was a Russian composer and pianist of the late Romantic period, capturing the essence of Russian nationalism in his music at a time when his country was discovering its own voice in classical composition. Born in Yaroslavl to a family with a strong musical heritage, Lyapunov was exposed to the artistic milieu early on. His father was a professor of mathematics and his grandfather, a violinist. After the death of his father, the family moved to Nizhny Novgorod, where he began to pursue music seriously.

Lyapunov is particularly celebrated for his expansion of the Russian nationalist idiom, in line with the Mighty Handful, a group of composers determined to promote Russian music. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory under the tutelage of such luminaries as Sergey Taneyev and Nikolai Hubert, but his most significant influence was Mily Balakirev, whom he met in St. Petersburg. Balakirev's mentorship steered Lyapunov's compositional style towards Russian folklore and the integration of folk motifs. Perhaps his most acclaimed works are the "12 Études d'exécution transcendante," designed in the tradition of Liszt's transcendental études and reflecting Lyapunov's virtuosic pianism and rich sense of harmony. Despite his considerable output, including symphonies, piano concerti, choral works, and a substantial collection of piano music, Lyapunov's contribution to the classical music canon has been frequently overlooked, with renewed interest in the 21st century bringing a fresh perspective and wider appreciation for his compositions.

Genres

Early Modern Classical

Post-romantic Era

Russian Modern Classical

Russian Romanticism

Latest Release

Lyapunov: The Best Symphonic Works

Sergei Lyapunov•

Yevgeny Svetlanov

Album - 8 Tracks - Released July 11, 2023