Mily Balakirev - Милий Алексеевич Балакирев (1837 – 1910)
Islamey, Oriental fantasy, Op. 18 Исламей: Восточная фантазия (1869, revised 1902)

Balakirev, notorious for his tortuously long composition process, wrote his 'Fantasie Orientale', Islamey, at uncharacteristic speed in August/September of 1869. The piece is based on melodic themes gathered by Balakirev during a visit to the Caucasus region. Premiered by Nikolai Rubinstein, the work has since become a popular feature of the piano repertoire.

Performed, recorded and edited by Thomas Graff

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