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Donald Macleod explores Kashperova’s visit to Estonia when despite her reputation she becomes a student again

The name of Leokadiya Kashperova was, for many decades, recorded in mainstream musical history as a footnote: the piano teacher of Igor Stravinsky. Her full story as a musician and composer has finally now been unearthed, through the research of Dr Graham Griffiths, supported by Radio 3’s Forgotten Women Composers project in collaboration with the Arts and Humanities Research Council, and the publisher Boosey and Hawkes. This week, in the year of her 150th anniversary, Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Graham Griffiths, author of Leokadiya Kashperova: Biography, Memoirs and Recollections of Anton Rubinstein, to rediscover this once renowned musician, and features many specially made recordings and UK premieres.

Kashperova was one of the most talented composers and pianists of her generation, described as ‘a most welcome phenomenon of St Petersburg’s musical life’. She studied composition with Nikolay Solovyov and piano with Anton Rubinstein. Both Glazunov and Balakirev favoured Kashperova in the interpretation of their music, and she travelled internationally as a soloist to destinations such as Berlin and London. She also often performed her own compositions. Prior to 1917 most of Kashperova’s works were published and heard, but the arrival of the Russian Revolution caused her voice to be silenced. Public performances of Kashperova’s music stopped altogether because of her connections with the gentry. Private performances were rare. She continued to compose, but now without any hope of hearing it played.

Today, Donald finds Kashperova in the early 20th century, well established as a successful pianist and composer. Yet despite her reputation, and regular contacts with distinguished composers such as Glazunov and Balakirev, Kashperova was keen to develop her musicianship further. She attended a summer school in Estonia where she delighted the other students by singing to them, often her own Romances. When she travelled back to Russia, she diverted her journey via Berlin, so she could visit her fellow summer school participants once again. Kashperova also visited Berlin to perform her Piano Concerto. In London, she gave performances of her chamber music. Critics commented that she delivered moments of fire, and that her music was full of grace and Russian fitfulness of mood.

Wunsch (Songs of Love: 12 Romances, No 4)
Ruby Hughes, soprano
Huw Watkins, piano

Where do the stars come from, UK Premiere
Emma Tring, soprano
Andrew Rupp, baritone
´óÏó´«Ã½ Singers
Paul Plummer, piano
James Sherlock, conductor

Symphony in B minor, Op 4 (Andante)
´óÏó´«Ã½ Concert Orchestra
Jane Glover, conductor

Ich harre Dein’ (Songs of Love: 12 Romances, No 9) UK Premiere
Nachtgebet (Songs of Love: 12 Romances, No 11) UK Premiere
Im Frühling (Songs of Love: 12 Romances, No 12)
Claire Booth, soprano
Alisdair Hogarth, piano

Cello Sonata in G major, Op 1 No 1 (excerpt)
Andrei Ionita, cello
Lilit Grigoryan, piano

Produced by Luke Whitlock