The Russian school of piano playing is legendary. This anthology explores some of its many secrets by proposing a collection of pieces, presented in order of progressive difficulty, from the literature written during the Soviet era. Selected from among the famous didactic contributions of Kabalevsky and Khachaturian, they also include a gem by Shostakovich, his “Waltz” from the Suite for Variety Orchestra, which was later made famous as part of the soundtrack from Stanley Kubrick’s last film, Eyes Wide Shut.

1. Gioco (op. 39/5) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
2. Scherzino (op. 39/6) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
3. Melodia (op. 39/8) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
4. Danza (op. 39/9) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
5. Giocando a palla (op. 27/5) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
6. Scherzando (op. 27/13) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
7. Toccatina (op. 27/12) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
8. Danzando sull’erba (op. 27/17) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
9. Momento drammatico (op. 27/30) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]
10. Ljado è malato (from Children's Album, vol. I) [Aram Chacaturjan]
11. Compleanno (from Children's Album, vol. I) [Aram Chacaturjan]
12. Marcia dei cavalieri (from Children's Album, vol. I) [Aram Chacaturjan]
13. Valzer (from Suite for Variety Orchestra) [Dimitrij Sostakóvic]
14. Un bisticcio fra le due zie (from Children's Album, vol. II) [Aram Chacaturjan]
15. Fuga (from Children's Album, vol. II) [Aram Chacaturjan]
16. Variazoni (op. 40/2) [Dimitrij Kabalevskij]