Eduard Patlaenko is an Honored Arts Worker of Russia and Karelia, Karelia Prize winner and professor of composition in Karelia State Conservatoire. He is an author of the music to ballet ''Hiawatha’s song'', symphony - oratorio ''Rusia and sword'', four symphonies, five string quartets, music for choir and vocal cycles and some other symphonic and chamber works.
E. Patlaenko is not focused particularly on piano music, preferring large scale works. In 1970th he wrote a suite for children ‚Dancing Menagerie’ that immediately acquired appreciation among young pianists.
With the ''School album'' the composer approaches piano music again.
The difficulty range of the present collection is rather wide: from first years of study (No. 1, 2, 8) to more complicated pieces aimed at musical college students (No. 3, 5, 10-12).The collection in general features a kaleidoscope of images and moods with one exception: the first three pieces are united by the Christmas theme. This triptych of a kind is just one more perception of this ageless topic.

Contents:
Prelude
Virgin Mary lullaby
Adoration of the Magi, fugue for piano in 3 hands.
March-revanche
Sonnet la minor
Russian minuet
Variations with Cuckoo
Stephan-the-Cat’s lament
Leaflet from the album
School fairy tale
Fairy tale. For the piano in 4 hands
Old merry-go-round for the piano in 4 hands