Search - Shchedrin :: Works for Piano

Rodion Shchedrin, one of Russia's most popular composers, is maddeningly uneven. He can turn out the most awful trash, like his piano concertos, and then elsewhere demonstrate great wit and compositional savvy. Most of these pieces come from Shchedrin's better vein. While he is no Shostakovich, his preludes and fugues and Polyphonic Notebook (obviously owing much inspiration to Bach) have plenty of good ideas and never become truly trashy. The composer's playing is a major point of interest in this set. He is an amazing virtuoso, and his performances add excitement to his own music. Good stereo sound. --Leslie Gerber