Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, Boris Berezovsky :: Rachmaninov: Préludes

Along with Lugansky's op.23 this set is a must have for all

- | 01/03/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nikolai Lugansky's cd with Rachmaninov op.23 Preludes is a real jewel and a true benchmark for all Rachmaninov interpreters. Berezovsky here performs both Op.23 and op.32 along with the legendary Op.3 N.2. His renditions of these beautiful piano pieces is extraordinary and seems overall quite similar to Lugansky's edition. However there are few differences: Berezovsky has decided for a much more intense and meditative attitude whereas Lugansky is more powerful , elegant and romantic. Berezovsky's is more direct while Lugansky seems to pay attention to the aestetic aspect of the music. Both these great interpreters are equipped with a trascendental technique so it's easy to imagine the result in term of virtuosism. Lugansky seems a little more fluent while Berezovsky seems to control his dazzling speed and miracolous fluency which is present in other recordings like his stunning Chopin's Etudes or Liszt's Trascendental Etudes, his recording dedicated to five great Russian composers (Mussorgsky, Balakirev, Rachmaninov, Liadov and Medtner) or his Chopin\Godowsky latest effort. Anyway all pieces here are performed with superb brilliance and insight! The recording's quality of the Steinway's sound is one of the best i've ever heard along with that of Lise de la Salle in her two cds for NaiveClassique."

Not an exercise in virtuosity, but a beautiful performance.

Chaconnesque | Singapore, Singapore Singapore | 06/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I would rate this recording of the Rachmaninov Preludes higher than that by Weissenberg and possibly even the incomplete set by Richter. However, I still prefer the set by Ashkenazy, which I now consider as the standard, where the slower pieces are even more meditative, and the faster pieces really exciting. I feel that the B-flat and G minor preludes as played here are quite disappointing (especially having heard Kissin's exhilirating performance of the former as an encore piece!). Nonetheless it is still a great recording well worth your money."

Berezovsky shines in Rachmaninov Preludes

P. Adrian | Arad, Romania | 04/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording - comprising the complete Preludes for solo piano by Rachmaninov - addresses mainly to all those Berezovsky aficionados who are unconditionally charmed by his unmatched virtuosity. From Tokyo to Paris, from London to Bucharest, from his native Moscow to New York, Boris Berezovsky delivers astounding concerts to crowded halls, both as a recitalist in demanding programmes or as a soloist along with the most prestigious orchestras in the world. Sometimes, even as a devoted chamber-music partner, he enjoys to share the stage with his colleagues in precious evenings of inspired musical confessions.



His live appearances - as well as his recordings! - are always eagerly awaited, chiefly for Berezovsky (whatever his repertory would be) displays a high-valued pianism imbued with daunting technical skills that favour a breath-taking bravura and other-worldly effects on keyboard. Yet, at the same extent, his interpretations seduce also by passion and soulfulness, by a total involvement in the music he is making. Among his trumps, a high-calibre musicianship (unfolded especially when Russian composers are on the spot) and a deep insight with respect to the composer's intentions can well be counted. They helped him achieve those famous recorded renditions of Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Lyadov, Balakirev, Prokofiev, Khachaturian or Medtner, that established him as an internationally acclaimed piano star. No less, Liszt and Chopin stand also at the helm of his catalogue consolidating his reputation.



Berezovsky plays convincingly and effortlessly even the most difficult pieces in the literature, so that his flawless virtuosity allows him to tackle the deepest realms of a score and not mere correctly execute a sequence of notes. This unique flavour is overwhelmingly acting here, in Rachmaninov pages. Both composer and interpreter work "hand in glove" to prove that the late Romanticism deserves to be respected and regarded on the same footing with all the other styles in the music history. And they succeed to.



Take, for instance, the celebrated G minor prelude (op.23, no.5) with its lively powerful chords dropped on the keys in a haunting dance or the serene meditation of the G major one (op.32, no.5) with its lyrical mood, so exquisitely conveyed by the pianist. The approach of Berezovsky aims to extract their most genuine truth in a direct way, with full understanding and artistic conscience.



His authoritative version for every single prelude is well-anchored in the Russian soul and that singles out his Rachmaninov as one of the most valuable in the market. Enjoy Berezovsky playing this traversal of Rachmaninov's Preludes!

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