Search - Sergey Rachmaninov, John Lill :: Rachmaninov: Prelude in C sharp minor; Six Moments Musicaux; Piano Sonata No. 1

Ooops! Just unthinkable..

Kim wan gi | Musical world | 02/02/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am one of the serious Rachmaninoff lover. In my opinion, this recording has as much value as all all 4 concerto. Here Moment musicaux represents the genuine color of Rachmaninoff. In other words, it is the nuclear of Rachmaninoff`s piano pieces.(with piano concerto 2,3). The playing is as rich as composer`s, Some people (My music friends) say "it`s very strange that the sales rank is low". Sonata 1 is also unimaginable. I doubt even composer could play like this...(sorry Mr.Rachmaninoff^^;;) I`m sure that you will be very moved if you buy this one."

Lill and Rachmaninov

Steven T. Morse | West Point, NY | 05/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recommend this CD for the serious Rachmaninov admirer. Rach's Moments Musicaux and especially his first piano sonata require a little more dedication to be entertaining than his easy-to-swallow preludes or more popular piano concertos. John Lill, as always, plays all the pieces with unquestionable virtuosity. I personally enjoy his recordings because he never "overplays" a piece. Though some complain his interpretations are dry and uninspired, I find they leave room for the listener's own moods and are as a result ten times more entertaining than the flair and showboating of more flamboyant performers. For pianists, his interpretations are impeccably verbatim and provide a valuable starting block when beginning a piece. He plays his Rachmaninov as non-rubato as his Beethoven, which in my opinion takes a little restraint and maturity many popular pianists do not have. Buyer beware, however, it takes quite a few listens to "get into" the piano sonata on this CD. It is a triple canopy jungle of sound, but in the hands of Lill I think it is worth the dive."