Scope and Content Note
The works and writings of Nikolai Lopatnikoff (1903-1976), composer, pianist and teacher, reflect a profound understanding of musical aesthetics and of twentieth century trends in music. Although less widely performed today, Lopatnikoff's musical works were well received by critics and public alike during his lifetime. Incorporating elements of various contemporary styles, Lopatnikoff forged a musical language characterized by a constantly shifting tonality, motivic development and a concise, tightly-woven structure, at once infused with a profoundly Russian emotional quality.
The variety of material contained in this collection accurately reflects both the composer's many interests as well as his historical position within twentieth century music. The farthest-reaching events of this century provided a background against which Lopatnikoff's entire life unfolded. Born in pre-revolutionary Russia, the Lopatnikoff family left their native Russia in 1917 upon the overthrow of the tsarist regime. The composer received his primary musical education in the climate of artistic and intellectual freedom which thrived in post- World War I Germany. Lopatnikoff's career, like European culture of that era as a whole, was cut short at its apex by the rise to power of the Nazi party.
Lopatnikoff was once again forced to flee due to political upheaval, this time eventually settling in the United States. He became an American citizen at the height of the second World War, and found himself among the ranks of the many émigré artists who arrived in this country under circumstances similar to his own. These artists brought a wealth of cultural and aesthetic viewpoints, thereby contributing significantly to the creation of a multi-faceted and uniquely "American" music.
Lopatnikoff eventually directed his creative energies into education; the collection contains a fascinating array of writings on varied topics designed for teaching and publication. Study of Lopatnikoff's musical works, writings on music history and theory, and correspondence with some of the most respected musicians of this century offers us a unique perspective on the development of twentieth century music as seen through the eyes of a keenly insightful composer and musician.
Kevin LaVine, April 1994 (revised December 2002).