In 1984 the distinguished Czech guitarist Vladimir Mikulka proposed that there should be a three-way collaboration between Stepan Rak (Czech), Nikita Koshkin (Russian) and myself (English). Each would send a different theme to each of the other two in order to generate six new sets of variations. This was not only a very substantial project, it was unique in the known history of music. There had been a few instances, in which two composers had written works based on one another’s music, but in no case had they exchanged themes for the express purpose; never, so far as we knew, had three composers ever been involved in any kind of mutual action. If and when completed, our plan would create a new record! It was, it did, and this recording is likewise unique! As John Duarte has commented:

"Five people have played key roles in this project - Vladimir Mikulka for suggesting it, the three composers for writing the music, and Stein-Erik Olsen for bringing it to audible life."

(John Duarte)

"In this unique program and thrilling performance Stein-Erik Olsen encompasses this huge cycle of six vast compositions. These variations grew and sealed friendships among the three composers. Bravo!"

(Vladimir Mikulka, after the world premiere of the variations at the Cesky Krumlov International Music Festival.)

John Duarte
Variations sur un théme de Stepan Rak
Thema, 1) con moto, 2) Andanta Nikitoso, 3) Sherzoso, 4) Lento, con tenerezze, 5) Alla gavotta, 6) Finale.

Nikita Koshkin
OIME-Rhapsody on a théme of J.W. Duarte
Tema Tempo di Siciliana, 1) Presto, 2) Lento, 3) Moderato con moto, 4) Piu mosso (non Troppo), 5) Tempo di preludia no.3. di H.Villa-Lobos, 6) Allegro grazioso, 7) Estatico, 8) Presto, 9) Andante, 10) Tranquillo.

Stepan Rak
Variazioni su un tema di Nikita Koshkin
Tema Moderato, 1) Vivace molto, 2) Marcato Rabioso, 3) Lento, 4) Tempo di Minuetto, 5) Lento Cantabile, 6) Marcia.

Interval

John Duarte
Variations on an Andante of Nikita Koshkin
Theme Andante, 1) Poco Scherzoso, 2) Marche funebre, 3) Valse, 4) Fantasia, 5) Bagatelle, 6) Arietta, 7) Finale.

Stepan Rak
Variations on a théme by John Duarte
Theme Largo Sostenuto, 1) Con Moto, 2) Lento, 3) Lento e Acceler molto con moto, 4) Maestoso, 5) Presto.

Nikita Koshkin
Porcelain Tower
Variations on the théme by Stepan Rak
Tema - Lento maestoso, 1) Yellow paper dragon, 2) Bamboo Umbrella, 3) Sphere within Sphere, 4) Red Liro gliphe’s Dance, 5) Nocturne silk screen, 6) Fox where wolf, 7) Porcelain emperor.

The composers about Stein-Erik Olsen:

"Stein-Erik Olsen belongs to the elite group of guitarists who can be called not only guitarist but also musicians. His mastery is based on the flawless technique which serves deep and impressive musicality and clear sense of beauty. His skill is like the electricity which appears between the music and the listener. The playing of Stein Erik Olsen is always artistic and he is absolutely convincing in Bach, romantic music or avant-garde. His personal charm warms his playing and brings the friendly atmosphere to each of his recitals."

(Nikita Koshkin)

"It is a real delight to a composer when his music takes on a life of its own. I am very pleased that Stein-Erik Olsen has given a new soul to my compositions. Yet I am still more glad that he realized that the Variations are not a lone piece, but that they are a brick in the wall built by the three individual composers. I feel satisfied that all six sets of variations can now finally live together, united by one brilliant musician."

(Stepan Rak)

"Merely to learn these six difficult works, let along well enough to play them as a whole concert program and to record them is a considerable technical achievement; to do it - as Stein-Erik Olsen has done, in accord with the composers’ intention is no less than remarkable."

(John W. Duarte)

The composers.

Stepán Rak (b. 1945, Ukraine) studied the guitar with Stepán Urban and composition with Jirí Dvorácek in Prague. Since teaching in Jyväskylä, Finland (1975-1980) he has gained a high reputation as a composer of great imagination, a master of dramatic impact and a creator of unusual sound effects on the guitar - of which he is a virtuosic player. His career now takes him to many countries as a teacher and performer.

Nikita Koshkin (b. 1956, Moscow) studied at the Gnesin Institute in Moscow with three teachers, the last of whom was Alexander Frauchi. His works have much in common with those of Rak, but for the most part they follow ‘classical’ forms more closely. He is much influenced in post-Stravinsky style by Shostakovich and Prokofiev but he remains ‘his own man’. His fame and activity is now ‘global’.

John Duarte (b. 1919, England) is a substantially self-taught composer who began his musical life as a jazz musician (guitar, double-bass and trumpet). Although he is not a concert performer he has acquired an intimate knowledge of the guitar and its technique, and he now travels worldwide as a teacher, lecturer and adjudicator. He is one of the most-recorded of all contemporary composers for the guitar.