A unique exploration of the evolution of the Mazurka from simple dance, first set for piano by Szymanowska around 1820, developed by Chopin into an art-music in his Op. 7 and Op. 17 sets of 1830-1834, and transformed into full blown post-Romantic works less fixed to the 3-4 dance rhythm by Szymanowski in the late 1920s.

Alex Kostritsa is a young Russian pianist who has toured in many countries, making his international debut in Japan at the age of eight. His virtuosity includes a beautiful light touch on trills and accidentals so important in this music. Kostritsa is currently living and working in Cleveland, Ohio, where he obtained his Doctorate in Musical Arts. He has been invited by Divine Art to contribute to the ongoing Russian Piano Music series.