Professor Oswald Russell accomplished musician and composer was born in Jamaica, August 16th 1933.  He was educated at St. George’s College and pursued his musical studies at the Royal Academy in London and Julliard School of Music in New York where he met Leonard Bernstein and other modern American composers. He performed concerts all over Europe and retired from the Geneva Conservatory of Music where he was a Professor.

Before migrating to Switzerland in 1964, Mr. Russell taught at the Jamaica School of Music and was Director of the Holy Trinity Cathedral Boys Choir. He also directed such distinguished choreographers as Martha Graham, Agnes DeMille and George Balanchine. One of his popular compositions ‘Three Jamaican Dances,’ a classical work that incorporates folk music based on Jamaican folk songs is described by many experts as ‘brilliant’.

Oswald Russell (Jamaica)-Jamaican Dance No. 2

Chopin's etude, known as the Revolutionary etude in the key of c minor. It features a powerful combination of fast and furious left hand running passages with right hand intense chords. Towards the end, and after an unexpected change of key to G-flat major, the music suddenly struggles between major and minor keys, ending triumphantly in a powerful "victory" chord of C MAJOR. Chopin did not call the etude "Revolutionary" but it is said to represent the struggle of his native country, Poland, as it was being invaded by Russia. The ending in a big, loud C Major Chord is very meaningful, as it could represent victory to his homeland.

Frederic Chopin (Poland)- Etude op. 10, No.12 in c minor "Revolutionary"

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Oswald Russell (Jamaica)-Jamaican Dance No. 2

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