Sviatoslav Richter plays Rachmaninov and Prokofiev
A whole lot has been written about the Russian school of playing the piano. I have read some of this material, and I know from listening carefully that the men and women who came from this background and training have provided me with impressive and in some cases unforgettable performances.
On this CD, we hear one of the great pianists:
Sviatoslav Richter, plays the following selections:
Prokofiev:
- Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82
- Piano Sonata No. 7 in B flat major, Op. 83
- Piano Sonata No. 8 in B flat major, Op. 84
- Piano Sonata No. 9 in C major, Op. 103
Rachmaninov:
- Prelude Op. 32 No. 1 in C major
- Prelude Op. 32 No. 2 in B flat minor
- Prelude Op. 23 No. 2 in B flat major
- Prelude Op. 23 No. 4 in D major
- Prelude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor
- Prelude Op. 23 No. 7 in C minor
This is amazing music; it ranges from the quiet and contemplative, to the dramatic and exciting. Here are some samples:
First, here is Richter, performing the Prokofiev Sonata No. 2
And now here’s Richter playing Rachmaninov’s Prelude in D major op. 23 no. 4
And just for kicks, here is Emil Gillels playing the Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 23 No. 5 (You will like it!!)
Tags: Sviatoslav Richter, piano, Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Prelude, Sonata