Francisco Mignone - Valsas de Esquina (Yuriy Rakevich; Olga Kopylova)

Information

Composer: Francisco Mignone

• Valsas de Esquina Nos. 1–12

Yuriy Rakevich, violin

Olga Kopylova, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Azul Music

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Featuring original arrangements crafted specifically by the violin and piano duo, this album presents the complete cycle of Francisco Mignone's 12 Corner Waltzes. Composed between 1938 and 1943, these pieces capture the early 20th-century urban atmosphere of São Paulo's street serenades and choros. Using Mignone’s own transcription of Valsa de Esquina No. 2 as a foundation, the duo carefully adapted the remaining works, preserving their core melodic and harmonic identities while adjusting tonalities and improvisational passages for optimal balance. The recording showcases the deep artistic chemistry of Russian violinist Rakevich—assistant concertmaster of OSESP since 1998—and Uzbekistani pianist Kopylova. Marking their third collaborative album, this release solidifies an extraordinary partnership that has already amassed over 15 million streams globally.

Russian-born violinist Yuriy Rakevich possesses an extensive international background, having trained at the Moscow Conservatory and completed advanced studies in Italy and the United States. His diverse career spans global solo appearances with major orchestras across Mexico and the former USSR, alongside notable tenures as concertmaster and assistant concertmaster for prestigious ensembles in Russia, Mexico, Australia, and the United States. Currently, Rakevich performs on an 1883 C.A. Miremont violin, is a member of the Glazunov Quartet, and celebrates over two decades of artistic service as a soloist with the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP).

Born in Uzbekistan, pianist Olga Kopylova began her musical education at age six before graduating from the prestigious Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow. In 2000, she relocated to Brazil to become the principal pianist for the São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), a distinguished position she occupied for more than two decades. Her career encompasses an acclaimed solo discography, numerous symphonic recordings, and international concerto appearances with prominent orchestras. In addition to her performance career, Kopylova is an active chamber musician, an educator at the OSESP Music Academy, and a leader in socio-cultural initiatives dedicated to audience development.