COMPOSERS: Rachmaninov
LABELS: Virgin
WORKS: Preludes, Opp. 23 & 32; Moments musicaux; Morceaux de fantaisie; Lilacs, Op. 21/5; Daisies, Op. 38/3 Oriental Skh; Prelude in D minor
PERFORMER: Dmitri Alexeev (piano)
CATALOGUE NO: VCD 7 59289 2 DDD
This year sees the 50th anniversary of the death of that melancholic guardian of the spirit and senses of 19th-century Russia, Sergei Rachmaninov. This anthology, recorded at Forde Abbey in November 1987 and September 1989, has waited a long time for release, but the delay has been worthwhile. A master of keyboard colour and voicing, the Russian Dmitri Alexeev (a former winnerof the Leeds Piano Competition) understands such music intimately from within – pianistically, imaginatively and recreatively. He opens a nostalgic window on thefin de siècle world of the early pieces. He has discovered unsuspected dimensions in the preludes and manages to cast spells and tell ageless stories of mystery and magic – listen in particular to the fifth Moment musical. He’s a pianist at once aristocratic, grand and confessionally poetic. This is an inspiring disc. Ates Orga
Rachmaninov: Preludes, Opp. 23 & 32; Moments musicaux; Morceaux de fantaisie; Lilacs, Op. 21/5; Daisies, Op. 38/3 Oriental Skh; Prelude in D minor
This year sees the 50th anniversary of the death of that melancholic guardian of the spirit and senses of 19th-century Russia, Sergei Rachmaninov. This anthology, recorded at Forde Abbey in November 1987 and September 1989, has waited a long time for release, but the delay has been worthwhile. A master of keyboard colour and voicing, the Russian Dmitri Alexeev (a former winnerof the Leeds Piano Competition) understands such music intimately from within – pianistically, imaginatively and recreatively. He opens a nostalgic window on thefin de siècle world of the early pieces.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm