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Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
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An enthralling disc of Prokofiev's distinctive music, contrasting his writing for piano in concerto and chamber contexts, alongside his First Violin Sonata. All are performed with energy and bite by Mari Kodama, John Lill, Mayumi Fujikawa and Craig Sheppard, with the Philharmonia Orchestra in glittering form for the Piano Concerto.Despite displaying what Glazunov dismissed as harmful tendencies, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.3 represented a leap forward in concerto style, combining uncompromising virtuosity for the soloist and an innovative approach to orchestration, including the stunning opening of fragile beauty. Generally accepted as the best of his piano concertos, the work's breadth of emotion is deftly communicated by soloist and orchestra on this superb recording.John Lill also relishes the extraordinary demands of Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No.7, with its satirical, almost grotesque menace juxtaposed with the rich and expansive Andante. The finale in 7/8 time returns us to the opening's irony, the pianist being called upon to traverse the entire range of the keyboard. Prokofiev's Violin Sonata No.1 includes captivating moments of originality, with exchanges of pizzicato violin and piano chords representing a fresh approach to the genre. The performers on this disc convey the New York Times's verdict that: We find this Sonata a beauty, from beginning to end. Only $11.98 - Click here to buy now! |