The Russian abroad: Berlin

Berlin is central to the eighth episode of the "History of the Russian Piano Trio", in which two Russian composers who lived in the city are presented. Nikolai Lopatnikoff's symphonies were premiered by Bruno Walter and Serge Koussevitzky, and he once stood on equal footing with Igor Stravinsky. Lopatnikoff's Piano Trio in A minor is an archetypal example of Russian modernism, unmatched in its use of allusions, tonality and form. Paul Juon's Suite in C major is full of elegant and lively theatrical imagery, while his First Piano Trio in A minor uses charming, stylized folk music motifs influenced by Johannes Brahms.