Twenty years ago (on BIS LP/CD 240) we released 'The Prince's Toys', a suite for solo guitar by the composer Nikita Koshkin, who was 27 years old at the time. Now we are happy to present a complete Koshkin programme, including some of his later works: Sonata for guitar, Kyparissos and Polka Papandreaou. These three were all composed for the Greek guitarist Elena Papandreou, who here gives them their world premièr on CD. Koshkin's music is colourful with a distinctive Russian blend of romantic fervor and melancholy. In his works there are numerous references to legends, fairy tales and literary figures - such as in Usher Waltz or Kyparissos. He has a strong predilection for pastiche, which may be heard in Parade - inspired by theNew Orleans funeral procession - and Ballades, where the young Koshkin's taste for 'Celtic folk-rock' is audible. Koshkin himself is an excellent guitarist and an expert in bringing out the qualities of the instrument, often with the use of unusual techniques. In Elena Papandreou his music has found a most sympathetic interpreter, and we are proud to welcome her to BIS.