When Igor Stravinsky was asked in 1966 who he felt was the most interesting Russian composer of the 20th century, he replied unhesitatingly: “Nikolai Roslavets”.
Nicholai Roslavets was a Ukrainian composer who lived and worked during the years of the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. Written in 1935 after years of persecution and suppression of his work, these two short pieces show the composer's intention not to give in to political oppression.