Very Highly Recommended
Robert L. Berkowitz | Natick, MA United States | 12/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have recently been listening to several recordings of the Romeo and Juliet pieces for piano, and I have been a long-time fan of Prokofiev's "War" Sonatas (Nos. 6, 7, 8) so this CD caught my interest. This is probably the most satisfying set of the 10 Romeo and Juliet pieces that I own. Part of the reason is the warm, rounded but clear stereo piano image afforded by the Centaur recording engineers, but also di Bonaventura's choice to play the pieces more expansively. Prokofiev is very difficult to play so he attracts many pianists with astounding technique who can play these pieces quickly and accurately. Prokofiev's melodies are extraordinary in their capacity to communicate the full range of feelings that accompany this timeless story and for me something is lost by pushing through these melodies too quickly. Di Bonaventura's more relaxed pace is a refreshing alternative. Similarly, the 7th sonata is given a solid performance that seems less concerned with technical bravura and more with clarity and the emotional impact of this remarkable piece. I highly recommended this CD."