Rachmaninoff Berezovsky - Variations on a Theme of Chopin Piano Sonata 1 (24 tracks) +Album Reviews

Search - Rachmaninoff, Berezovsky :: Variations on a Theme of Chopin / Piano Sonata 1

Rachmaninoff, Berezovsky
Variations on a Theme of Chopin / Piano Sonata 1
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (24) - Disc #1
1. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Theme; Largo
2. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation I: Moderato
3. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation II: Allegro
4. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation III: Allegro
5. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation IV: Allegro
6. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation V: Meno mosso
7. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VI: Meno mosso
8. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VII: Allegro
9. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VIII; Allegro
10. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation IX; Allegro
11. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation X: Piu vivo
12. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XI: Lento
13. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XIII: Largo
14. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XV: Allegro scherzando
15. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVI: Lento
16. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVII: Grave
17. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVIII: Piu mosso
18. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XIX: Allegro vivace
19. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XX: Presto
20. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XXI: Andante
21. Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XXII: Maestoso
22. Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Allegro moderato
23. Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Lento
24. Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Allegro molto

CD Details

All Artists: Rachmaninoff, Berezovsky
Title: Variations on a Theme of Chopin / Piano Sonata 1
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Elektra / Wea
Release Date: 5/3/1994
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Sonatas, Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 745099089023

Synopsis

Amazon.com

These are both fine performances, although in the end they are both also-rans. Kurt Masur's Dvorák is expressive and conspicuously well-played, his Janácek very well organized and featuring some amazingly powerful brass. Eventually one realizes that, as each performance progresses, they are not as emotionally involving as the best we have heard. If the odd coupling appeals, there's nothing really wrong with this disc. But with Ancerl, Kubelík, and Talich (especially his Supraphon) available in the Symphony, and Abbado, Ancerl, and Mackerras in the Sinfonietta, the Teldec isn't compelling. --Leslie Gerber

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CD Reviews

Superb rendering of Sonata

Chaconnesque | Singapore, Singapore Singapore | 03/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here's a real treat. An unfairly neglected sonata by Rachmaninov, played by one of the most underrated talents of our generation. Rachmaninov's long and meandering sonata has no short of his famous long, intense and moody melodies. Its of a darkter colouring that the more well-known 2nd sonata, but I actually prefer this work.

Berezovsky (winner of the 1st prize in the 1990 Tchaikovsky competition) also gave a magnificent performance of the Chopin variations. However, I am disappointed that he chose to make cuts. I would have preferred to hear the whole work unmutilated. Nonetheless this CD is worth it for the sonata alone!

Berezovsky, in my opinion, is comparable to compatriots like Pletnev and Kissin. I also recommend his breathtaking performance of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes, and sensitive interpretation of the Chopin etudes."

Inspirational!

fergal omahony | manchester ,uk | 12/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On first heraing this CD I must admit I didn't quite know what to make of it. Though a great fan of Rachmaninoff's works for piano and orchestra and a lot of his solo piano music, these two pieces had managed to evade me. This is my first reason for congratulating Mr.Berezovsky, as he chose, rather than another version of the second sonata or the preludes, to commit to CD two works which are rarely heard in the concert hall or anywhere else for that matter.

Upon first hearing, both the variations and the sonata can be a lot to get ones head around. The sonata approaches 40mins in length and it's relentless intesity can be truly draining to listen to, however on completion one feels like they have been on a kaleidoscopic journey, and cannot deny that both the music itself and the interpreatation given are as near to perfection as one could imagine. ie. It's hard to imagine the music being played in any other manner.

The music is complex, with a LOT of notes and a great deal of contrapuntal writing, yet Berezovsky's meticulous attention to voicing ensures that one is always made aware of which line to listen and therefore never 'lost', so to speak. In a work of such epic proportions Berezovsky relays the broader structure like a true master, and the result is something really quite special. Highly recommended ."

Absolutely amazing

Julia Ponomarenko | San Diego, CA United States | 11/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Great music and great performance!!! Truly recommend to all who loves perfectionism, clear sound and high professionalism!"