Robert Volkmann - Piano Works (Levon Avagyan)

Information

Composer: Robert Volkmann

• 6 Fantasiebilder, Op. 1
• Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 12
• Deutsche Tanzweisen, Op. 18
• Ungarische Lieder, Op. 20
• 4 Marches, Op. 22
• Lieder der Großmutter, Op. 27

Levon Avagyan, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

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Robert Volkmann (1815–1883), a German-born composer, remained relatively unknown until the 1840s when he moved to Hungary and began gaining recognition. His reputation grew with the support and admiration of prominent musicians such as Franz Liszt, Hans von Bülow, and Richard Wagner, particularly for his Piano Trio, Op. 5. Volkmann’s music reflects a balance between progressive and traditional musical styles of the nineteenth century. Works such as the Fantasiebilder show the influence of Schumann and Mendelssohn, while the Piano Sonata in C minor reveals strong Classical foundations reminiscent of Beethoven and Schubert. His compositions often combine expressive depth with rhythmic vitality, incorporating distinctive elements such as Hungarian musical color and playful character pieces.

Armenian pianist Levon Avagyan was born in Yerevan and studied at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory with Vagharshak Harutyunyan before continuing his education at the Kunstuniversität Graz under Milana Chernyavska, graduating with distinction. Since 2017 he has worked as a teacher and accompanist at the Kunstuniversität Graz and Konservatorium while also collaborating with prominent musicians in international masterclasses and academies. Avagyan gained international recognition after winning First Prize, the Audience Prize, and several special awards at the 2017 Maria Canals International Music Competition in Barcelona. He has since performed as a soloist with orchestras across Europe and appeared at major festivals, while also recording works including Antonio Soler’s keyboard sonatas.