Search - Sergey Prokofiev, Nikolai Lugansky :: Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet
Sergey Prokofiev, Nikolai Lugansky
Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (17) - Disc #1

Lugansky's Prokofiev is a winner: three major works played with virtuosity, power and, where necessary, delicacy, along with scrupulous attention to the score. The Sixth is the first of the composer?s "War" Sonatas, premie...  more »

     
?

Larger Image

CD Details


Synopsis

Amazon.com
Lugansky's Prokofiev is a winner: three major works played with virtuosity, power and, where necessary, delicacy, along with scrupulous attention to the score. The Sixth is the first of the composer?s "War" Sonatas, premiered in 1940. The aggressive rhythmic opening gives way to a quiet theme, the entire movement permeated with an agitated restlessness well captured by the pianist. In the middle movements he creates the right atmosphere, infusing the slow waltz with premonitions on disaster. The propulsive, driving finale, like the virtuosic finale of the Fourth Sonata, is done with spectacular accuracy at supersonic speeds---thrilling rides, both. He's as good in the somber opening movements of the Fourth. And in the longest work on the disc, Lugansky nails each of the ten pieces Prokofiev transcribed from his Romeo and Juliet ballet score. There's jaunty swagger in "Masks," playfulness in "Minuet," gossamer pianism in "Lily Dance." The finale, drawn from several scenes, is quietly moving. A treasurable disc. --Dan Davis

Similarly Requested CDs

 

CD Reviews

A Firebrand of a Pianist Completely in His Realm with Prokof
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nikolai Lugansky is one terrific keyboard sensation. He plays Prokofiev's unforgivingly difficult piano scores as though they were simplicity itself. Lugansky is in control of the entire keyboard, keeping the far reaches of bass and treble pulsating with energy while he finds the poetry in the inner keys. The effect of his mastery of this literature is astonishing.



In both of Prokofiev's Sonatas 4 and 6 Lugansky reveals a velocity and accuracy of attack that is ferocious while still able to be light and playful. His dynamic range is expansive (and the recorded sound is very helpful in displaying this!) and his pianistic technique is at al times matched by his interpretative insight. He finds Prokofiev's melodies in every phrase, melodies usually hidden by other less facile pianists' hands.



The additional bonus of episodes from Prokofiev's score for the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' further substantiates Lugansky's credentials as a peppery, wizardly, yet gently poetic artist. One doesn't miss the orchestral original in Lugansky's hands. This is a very special recording by a fine pianist becoming better known on the stage today. Especially after this recording! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05"
Incredible sound, incredible performance
James Grote | Cincinnati, OH United States | 09/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, this is a very well recorded cd. The piano sound is incredible detailed and rich. Secondly, the performance is excellent, richly emotional befitting the music's underlying theme.



What got me to buy was hearing Montagues and Capulets on xmradio one day. That song in particular sounds great on piano."