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Николaй Кaпустин

Николaй Кaпустин

Musician · Ukraine · 1937–2020

contemporary classical music
▸ Source: MusicBrainz
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as of 9/28/2026
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Kapustin's works have been recorded by the Melodiya label, showcasing his contributions to the music world.

Kapustin spent over a decade with the Oleg Lundstrem State Chamber Jazz Orchestra, which he considered his 'Second Conservatory.'

Kapustin was a virtuoso pianist, known for his technical skill and innovative compositions.

Based on: Wikidata, Wikipedia

Biography

Early Life

Nikolai Girshevich Kapustin was born on November 22, 1937, in Nikitovka, a suburb of Horlivka, Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. His family, while not professional musicians, nurtured his musical aspirations. His mother, Klavdia, played the piano and his father, Grigory, worked as a senior manager at a meat factory. Raised largely by his grandmother, Kapustin was captivated by traditional Russian and Ukrainian folk tales. His early exposure to music and storytelling laid the foundation for his future as a composer and pianist.

Career

Kapustin's musical journey began in earnest after he graduated from the Moscow Conservatory in 1961. He joined the Oleg Lundstrem State Chamber Jazz Orchestra, where he honed his skills in jazz and classical music for over a decade. This experience was pivotal, as he transcribed music from Western big bands and developed a unique style that blended jazz idioms with classical structures. Kapustin composed 161 opus numbers, including piano sonatas and concertos, showcasing his innovative approach to harmony and rhythm. His works, such as the 24 Preludes and Fugues, exemplify his ability to integrate jazz motifs into classical forms.

Legacy

Despite being relatively unknown outside the Soviet Union until the late 1990s, Kapustin's music gained international recognition through the internet and recordings by prominent pianists. His compositions are now frequently performed worldwide, and he is celebrated for his contributions to contemporary classical music. Kapustin's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of musicians, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the synthesis of jazz and classical music.

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Discography

Albums
Moon RainbowMoon Rainbow2020
  1. 1.Concerto in D minor, BWV 974 after Marcello: I. Andante2:44
  2. 2.24 Jazz Preludes, op. 53: IV. Allegretto1:30
  3. 3.Concerto in D minor, BWV 974 after Marcello: II. Adagio3:29
  4. 4.24 Jazz Preludes, op. 53: V. Largo2:06
  5. 5.Concerto in D minor, BWV 974 after Marcello: III. Presto4:15
  6. 6.8 Concert Studies, op. 40: VI. Pastoral. Allegro moderato2:38
  7. 7.Pastorale in F major, BWV 590: III. Andante cantabile3:30
  8. 8.8 Concert Studies, op. 40: III. Toccatina. Allegro2:21
  9. 9.Toccata in E minor, BWV 9148:09
  10. 10.24 Jazz Preludes, op. 53: IX. Lento3:10
  11. 11.Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp major, BWV 8723:44
  12. 12.24 Preludes and Fugues in B-flat minor, op. 82: XXII. Allegretto. Grave3:16
  13. 13.Prelude and Fugue in B major, BWV 8925:32
  14. 14.10 Inventions, op. 73: IX. Lento3:02
  15. 15.Invention no. 6 in E major, BWV 7774:10
  16. 16.Sonatina, op. 1003:56
  17. 17.Concerto in D major, BWV 972 after Vivaldi: I. Allegro2:02
  18. 18.Moon Rainbow, op. 1615:47
  19. 19.Concerto in D major, BWV 972 after Vivaldi: II. Larghetto2:47
  20. 20.Contemplation, op. 476:21
  21. 21.Concerto in D major, BWV 972 after Vivaldi: III. Allegro2:27
  22. 22.24 Jazz Preludes, op. 53: XXIII. Moderato2:24
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Transitions: Cello ConcertosTransitions: Cello Concertos2020
  1. 1.Cello Concerto no. 1, op. 85: I. Allegro10:31
  2. 2.Cello Concerto no. 1, op. 85: II. Largo con moto6:41
  3. 3.Cello Concerto no. 1, op. 85: III. Allegro7:33
  4. 4.Cello Concerto no. 1: I. Pesante – Moderato16:42
  5. 5.Cello Concerto no. 1: II. Largo11:32
  6. 6.Cello Concerto no. 1: III. Allegro vivace4:09
  7. 7.Cello Concerto no. 1: IV. Largo12:41
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Complete Chamber Works for FluteComplete Chamber Works for Flute2019
  1. 1.Flute Sonata, op. 125: I. Allegretto6:38
  2. 2.Flute Sonata, op. 125: II. Andantino grazioso5:05
  3. 3.Flute Sonata, op. 125: III. Scherzo2:46
  4. 4.Flute Sonata, op. 125: IV. Allegretto5:27
  5. 5.Divertissement, op. 91: I. Preludio. Andantino5:11
  6. 6.Divertissement, op. 91: II. Fuga. Allegro moderato5:17
  7. 7.Divertissement, op. 91: III. Finale. Allegro6:42
  8. 8.A Little Duo, op. 1566:23
  9. 9.Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano, op. 86: I. Allegro molto7:33
  10. 10.Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano, op. 86: II. Andante6:05
  11. 11.Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano, op. 86: III. Allegro giocoso6:17
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Rapid MovementRapid Movement2019
  1. 1.Suite for Piano and Orchestra: No. 1. Snowflakes3:38
  2. 2.Suite for Piano and Orchestra: No. 2. Lyrical Waltz4:40
  3. 3.Suite for Piano and Orchestra: No. 3. Polka4:02
  4. 4.Suite for Piano and Orchestra: No. 4. Rapid Movement3:03
  5. 5.Concerto no. 1 in C minor, op. 35: I. Allegretto6:08
  6. 6.Concerto no. 1 in C minor, op. 35: II. Lento7:14
  7. 7.Concerto no. 1 in C minor, op. 35: III. Moderato1:28
  8. 8.Concerto no. 1 in C minor, op. 35: IV. Allegro con brio6:51
  9. 9.Concerto no. 2, op. 14: I. Allegro molto5:42
  10. 10.Concerto no. 2, op. 14: II. Andante5:52
  11. 11.Concerto no. 2, op. 14: III. Rondo‐toccata5:03
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Complete Music for Cello and PianoComplete Music for Cello and Piano2017
  1. 1.Sonata no. 1, op. 63: I. Largo, allegro animato7:13
  2. 2.Sonata no. 1, op. 63: II. Sarabanda3:50
  3. 3.Sonata no. 1, op. 63: III. Scherzo3:21
  4. 4.Sonata no. 1, op. 63: IV. Introduzione e rondo6:02
  5. 5.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: I. Allegro non troppo7:59
  6. 6.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: II. Intermezzo5:22
  7. 7.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: III. Allegro assai7:34
  8. 8.Elegy, op. 964:45
  9. 9.Nearly Waltz, op. 982:37
  10. 10.Burlesque, op. 973:16
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Schumann / Elgar / KapustinSchumann / Elgar / Kapustin2017
  1. 1.Cello Concerto, op. 12925:30
  2. 2.Serenade for String Orchestra, op. 20: I. Allegro piacevole3:34
  3. 3.Serenade for String Orchestra, op. 20: II. Larghetto4:39
  4. 4.Serenade for String Orchestra, op. 20: III. Allegretto3:11
  5. 5.Cello Concerto no. 2, op. 103: I. Allegretto9:15
  6. 6.Cello Concerto no. 2, op. 103: II. Lento6:15
  7. 7.Cello Concerto no. 2, op. 103: III. Allegro6:53
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Works for CelloWorks for Cello2016
  1. 1.Duet for Cello and Alto Saxophone, op. 99: I. Allegretto3:21
  2. 2.Duet for Cello and Alto Saxophone, op. 99: II. Grave4:38
  3. 3.Duet for Cello and Alto Saxophone, op. 99: III. Sonatina. Animato4:00
  4. 4.Sonata for Cello and Piano no. 2, op. 84: I. A piacere. Allegro non troppo8:41
  5. 5.Sonata for Cello and Piano no. 2, op. 84: II. Intermezzo6:07
  6. 6.Sonata for Cello and Piano no. 2, op. 84: III. Allegro assai7:12
  7. 7.Nearly Waltz, op. 982:49
  8. 8.Elegy, op. 965:34
  9. 9.Burlesque, op. 973:30
  10. 10.Toccatina from 8 Concert Etudes, op. 402:56
  11. 11.Raillery from 8 Concert Etudes, op. 403:02
  12. 12.Concerto for Cello and Strings no. 2, op. 103: I. Allegretto9:47
  13. 13.Concerto for Cello and Strings no. 2, op. 103: II. Lento8:20
  14. 14.Concerto for Cello and Strings no. 2, op. 103: III. Allegro6:19
  15. 15.Hommage à Kapustin2:05
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
The Balmoral Recordings 2015The Balmoral Recordings 20152015
  1. 1.Scherzo No 2 In B-Flat Minor, Op 3111:13
  2. 2.Ballade No 1 In G Minor, Op 239:37
  3. 3.Etude Op 10 No 4 In C-Sharp Minor2:22
  4. 4.Liebestraum No 3, S 5415:23
  5. 5.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Praeludium1:44
  6. 6.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Allemande2:19
  7. 7.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Corrente2:13
  8. 8.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Sarabande3:54
  9. 9.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Menuet 1,22:54
  10. 10.Partita No 1 In B Flat Major, BWV 825 - Gigue1:28
  11. 11.Prelude Op 53 - Lento2:49
  12. 12.Prelude Op 53 - Moderato2:08
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
EtudeEtude2014
  1. 1.From 12 Études d’exécution transcendante: Étude IV. Térek. Allegro impetuoso4:11
  2. 2.From 12 Études d’exécution transcendante: Étude V. Nuit d’été. Lento ma non troppo8:28
  3. 3.From 12 Études d’exécution transcendante: Étude VI. Tempête. Allegro agitato molto4:33
  4. 4.Piano Études: I. in C3:23
  5. 5.Piano Études: II. Sequenzen2:45
  6. 6.Piano Études: III. Scherzo ad libitum3:13
  7. 7.Piano Études: IV. Scalen2:51
  8. 8.Piano Études: V. Toccata2:48
  9. 9.Piano Études: VI. Grains4:14
  10. 10.12 Studies , op. 33: 1. Presto1:17
  11. 11.12 Studies , op. 33: 2. Andantino soave1:22
  12. 12.12 Studies , op. 33: 3. Vivace assai0:36
  13. 13.12 Studies , op. 33: 4. Presto1:24
  14. 14.12 Studies , op. 33: 5. Andante espressivo0:56
  15. 15.12 Studies , op. 33: 6. Vivace0:34
  16. 16.12 Studies , op. 33: 7. Allegro molto0:49
  17. 17.12 Studies , op. 33: 8. Lento assai mesto1:47
  18. 18.12 Studies , op. 33: 9. Animato1:00
  19. 19.12 Studies , op. 33: 10. Presto. Tempestoso1:05
  20. 20.12 Studies , op. 33: 11. Andante soave1:31
  21. 21.12 Studies , op. 33: 12. Presto1:49
  22. 22.Five Études in Different Intervals , op. 68: 1. Allegro [In minor seconds]3:23
  23. 23.Five Études in Different Intervals , op. 68: 2. Allegro [In fourths]3:06
  24. 24.Five Études in Different Intervals , op. 68: 3. Animato [In sixths]2:44
  25. 25.Five Études in Different Intervals , op. 68: 4. Vivace [In major seconds]3:11
  26. 26.Five Études in Different Intervals , op. 68: 5. Animato [In octaves]4:23
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Eight Concert Etudes / 24 Preludes in Jazz StyleEight Concert Etudes / 24 Preludes in Jazz Style2011
  1. 1.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 1. Prelude2:25
  2. 2.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 2. Rêverie4:19
  3. 3.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 3. Toccatina2:29
  4. 4.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 4. Reminiscence5:26
  5. 5.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 5. Shuitka (Raillery)2:40
  6. 6.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 6. Pastoral3:10
  7. 7.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 7. Intermezzo4:31
  8. 8.Eight Concert Etudes, op. 40: No. 8. Finale3:00
  9. 9.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 1 in C major2:05
  10. 10.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 2 in A minor2:07
  11. 11.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 3 in G major1:38
  12. 12.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 4 in E minor1:21
  13. 13.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 5 in D major2:00
  14. 14.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 6 in B minor2:00
  15. 15.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 7 in A major1:28
  16. 16.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 8 in F-sharp minor1:37
  17. 17.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 9 in E major2:47
  18. 18.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 10 in C-sharp minor1:54
  19. 19.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 11 in B major2:21
  20. 20.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 12 in G-sharp minor2:14
  21. 21.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 13 in G-flat major2:37
  22. 22.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 14 in E-flat minor1:14
  23. 23.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 15 in D-flat major2:11
  24. 24.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 16 in B-flat minor1:38
  25. 25.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 17 in A-flat major1:46
  26. 26.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 18 in F minor2:16
  27. 27.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 19 in E-flat major1:21
  28. 28.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 20 in C minor1:52
  29. 29.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 21 in B-flat major1:27
  30. 30.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 22 in G minor2:29
  31. 31.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 23 in F major2:00
  32. 32.24 Preludes in Jazz Style, op. 53: Prelude no. 24 in D minor2:50
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Russian SoulRussian Soul2010
  1. 1.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: A piacere - Allegro non troppo7:47
  2. 2.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: Intermezzo - comodo5:44
  3. 3.Sonata no. 2, op. 84: Allegro assai5:44
  4. 4.Melody (Paraphrase from op. 21, no. 7 "How Peaceful" and op. 26, no. 8 "I Beg for Mercy")5:41
  5. 5.Vocalise, op. 34 no. 145:36
  6. 6.Burlesque, op. 973:26
  7. 7.Elegy, op. 965:50
  8. 8.Nearly Waltz, op. 983:03
  9. 9.Sonata G minor, op. 19: Lento - Allegro moderato10:51
  10. 10.Sonata G minor, op. 19: Allegro scherzando6:31
  11. 11.Sonata G minor, op. 19: Andante6:30
  12. 12.Sonata G minor, op. 19: Allegro mosso11:21
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Shan-shan Sun plays Nikolai KapustinShan-shan Sun plays Nikolai Kapustin2009
  1. 1.Sunrise, op. 263:22
  2. 2.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 1: Prelude2:05
  3. 3.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 2: Reverie3:18
  4. 4.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 3: Toccatina1:59
  5. 5.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 4: Reminiscence4:18
  6. 6.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 5: Raillery2:21
  7. 7.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 6: Pastoral2:36
  8. 8.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 7: Intermezzo3:51
  9. 9.Concert Etude, op. 40 no. 8: Finale2:42
  10. 10.Prelude, op. 53 no. 9: Lento2:57
  11. 11.Prelude, op. 53 no. 11: Andante2:13
  12. 12.Prelude, op. 53 no. 12: Allegretto1:52
  13. 13.Prelude, op. 53 no. 13: Allegretto2:37
  14. 14.Prelude, op. 53 no. 23: Moderato1:48
  15. 15.Gargoyles, op. 29: I. Presto1:52
  16. 16.Gargoyles, op. 29: II. Adagio Semplice3:22
  17. 17.Gargoyles, op. 29: III. Allegro Moderato2:45
  18. 18.Gargoyles, op. 29: IV. Presto Feroce2:36
  19. 19.Music at Sunset7:48
Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Sonata no. 15 / Preludes / Etudes / BagatellesPiano Sonata no. 15 / Preludes / Etudes / Bagatelles2008

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Kapustin Returns!Kapustin Returns!2008

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Works 3Piano Works 32008

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Saxophone ConcertosSaxophone Concertos2008

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Works 1Piano Works 12005

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Works 2Piano Works 22005

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano MusicPiano Music2004

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
24 Preludes and Fugues for Piano, op. 82 / Violin Sonata24 Preludes and Fugues for Piano, op. 82 / Violin Sonata2004

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Last RecordingLast Recording2004

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano MusicPiano Music2000

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Kapustin Plays Kapustin: 8 Concert EtudesKapustin Plays Kapustin: 8 Concert Etudes2000

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Kapustin Plays Kapustin: 24 PreludesKapustin Plays Kapustin: 24 Preludes2000

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify
Piano Quintet, etc.Piano Quintet, etc.1999

Tracklist not collected yet.

Where to listen:Apple MusicYouTube MusicSpotify

Label

Record label
Melodiya

Similar artists

Archive

Passport
Born

1937-11-22

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Died

2020-07-02

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Instruments

piano

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Country

UA

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
Identifiers & aliases

Also known as: Nikolai Girshevich Kapustin, Nikolai Kapustin, Николaй Гиршевич Кaпустин, Николай Гиршевич Капустин, Николай Капустин

Disambiguation

Ukrainian-Russian composer

▸ Source: MusicBrainzUnverified
ISNI

0000000081345086

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Description

Soviet and Russian composer and pianist (1937–2020)

▸ Source: WikidataUnverified
Extract from Wikipedia

Nikolai Girshevich Kapustin was a Soviet-born Russian composer and pianist. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in the synthesis of jazz idioms and Western classical structures. A virtuoso of the "Moscow School" of piano playing, Kapustin composed 161 opus numbers, including 20 piano sonatas, six piano concertos, and sets of preludes and fugues, all of which utilize a sophisticated harmonic and rhythmic language derived from bebop, stride piano, and jazz fusion.

▸ Source: Wikipedia
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Last.fm(powered by AudioScrobbler): 28 listeners, 2.8K playsas of 9/28/2026
as of 9/28/2026

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