Four Improvisations by Anton Arensky

Four Improvisations: A Glimpse into the Russian Romantic Circle

The Four Improvisations for Piano, a collaborative work by Anton Arensky, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Alexander Glazunov, and Sergei Taneyev, offers a unique window into the creative camaraderie of late 19th-century Russian composers. Composed in 1896, this set of short pieces was reportedly created in a single evening, with each composer contributing a section in turn. The result is a fascinating blend of individual styles and shared musical language, reflecting the close-knit relationships among these masters of the Russian Romantic tradition (Reddit, 2015; Wikipedia, 2025).

Anton Arensky, a professor at the Moscow Conservatory, was a pivotal figure in the development of Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and other young composers. His influence is evident in the lyrical, Tchaikovsky-inspired passages of the improvisations, while Glazunov’s contributions showcase his mastery of orchestral textures adapted for piano. Rachmaninoff, still in his early twenties, brings his signature harmonic richness and dramatic flair, and Taneyev’s sections reveal his rigorous contrapuntal training. The interplay between these composers—sometimes playful, sometimes competitive—creates a dynamic and engaging listening experience (TalkClassical, n.d.; Wikipedia, 2025).

The improvisations are not only a testament to the technical prowess of these composers but also a reflection of their shared musical heritage. Arensky, Rachmaninoff, and Taneyev were all connected through the Moscow Conservatory, where Arensky taught and Rachmaninoff studied under both Arensky and Taneyev. Glazunov, though based in St. Petersburg, was a frequent collaborator and mentor, particularly to Rachmaninoff, whose First Symphony suffered a disastrous premiere under Glazunov’s allegedly inebriated conducting (Classical Music, 2025; Wikipedia, 2025).

For pianists, the Four Improvisations present a rewarding challenge. The pieces range from introspective lyricism to virtuosic flourishes, making them ideal for intermediate to advanced players seeking to explore the nuances of Russian Romantic piano music. The sheet music is available on Piano Marvel.

To experience the collaborative genius of these composers, listen to a performance of the improvisations:

The Four Improvisations stand as a testament to the creative synergy of Russia’s Romantic composers. Whether you’re drawn to the lyrical beauty of Arensky, the dramatic intensity of Rachmaninoff, or the contrapuntal elegance of Taneyev, this work invites exploration and appreciation of a pivotal moment in musical history.

How do these improvisations resonate with your own musical journey? Share your thoughts or favourite moments in the comments.

References

Reddit. (2015, April 28). Arensky, Rachmaninov, Glazunov & Taneyev - Four improvisations for piano -- I love watching them try to throw each other off. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.reddit.com/r/classicalmusic/comments/343yi8/arensky_rachmaninov_glazunov_taneyev_four/

Wikipedia. (2025, July 1). Anton Arensky. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Arensky

TalkClassical. (n.d.). Anton Arensky. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.talkclassical.com/threads/anton-arensky.8456/

Classical Music. (2025, October 8). Sergei Rachmaninoff: huge hands, hypnotherapy, breathtaking music. Retrieved February 11, 2026, from https://www.classical-music.com/features/composers/sergey-rachmaninov