from poem, to art song, to piano repertoire staple

Russian playwright Nestor Kukolnik once wrote a poem called 'Skylark' capturing the journey and song of one in the skies and the wind. Later in 1840, composer Mikhail Glinka wrote a set of 12 songs, the 10th being 'The Lark' to be performed by a vocalist with piano accompaniment, using Kukolnik's poem as its lyrics. Inspired by the vocal work, Mily Balakirev arranged a virtuosic piano piece, which is the one I've performed in this recording, 'The Lark'. Today it's evolved to be considered a staple in Russian piano repertoire and is often performed by many.