Recording and Performance Guide of the Cycle "Samarkand Pictures" For Solo Piano by D. Amanullaeva

This project focuses on Samarkand Pictures, a cycle for solo piano composed by the Uzbek composer Dilorom Amanullaeva. She currently serves on the faculty of the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan in Tashkent where she received her musical education. As Uzbekistan was once a part of the Soviet Union, there is no doubt Amanullaeva was influenced by Russian and Soviet composers, but traditional Uzbek melodic inflections and unique rhythmic patterns can be found prevailing in her writing. The recorded part of the project will include approximately thirty minutes of playing. The written commentary includes a chapter about the composer’s biography and compositional style, and also the historical background of the recorded compositions. Most importantly, the commentary features a guide for performers that is based on the interpretational choices I made when recording this cycle. One of the main purposes of this project is to diversify the modern piano repertoire. With this project, I intend to promote Dilorom Amanullaeva’s piano works and advocate for women composers in classical music in general.