The Jazz-Classical Fusion of

Nikolai Kapustin

Variations Op. 41 (1984)

and 8 Concert Études Op. 40
(1984)

Yang Yang Cai – MA

Research Symposium
2024
Classical Piano
 Background

- Moscow Conservatory Piano studies with Alexander

Goldenweiser

- Oleg Lundstrem Big Band 1961 – work as arranger,

composer, pianist, and improvisation
- Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 2, transcriptions of music
from 1930-50s such as from the Count Basie orchestra
- Switch Classical > Jazz
- Later taught in Moscow Conservatory and Cologne
University
- His style resonates with a wide audience worldwide
- Bridge two genres, and new musical language.
 Variations Op. 41
(1984)

 “Jazz and Popular Music”

Collection

 Showpiece

 Strolling bass

 Jazz elements, bebop, ragtime,

syncopation, off-beat, many tempi
changes, colours and harmony
changes
8 Concert Etudes Op. 40
 History of the étude

 “Virtuoso”

 Technical challenges

 Liszt, Schumann, Chopin, Czerny

 Cage, Ligeti, Messiaen

 Inventive in style

 Many jazz elements like boogie-woogie, jazz, blues, ragtime, stride

 8 Concert Etudes Op. 40

 Modulations

 7th chords

 Chromaticism

 Sus chords

 ii7-V-I

 Tritone substitution

 Turnaround

 Boogie-woogie
 Reception And Legacy

 Premiere Piano Sonata no. 2, op. 54 in London

by Marc-André Hamelin

 Cd’s in Japan

 Premiere Kapustin’s Quintet in D-flat major, op.

89 in Moscow
Cd’s
Conclusion
Thank you for listening!