Russian Piano Music Vol. 1 – Shostakovich and Comrades

£8.99£12.50

Catalogue No: DDA 25080
EAN/UPC: 809730508028
Artists:
Composers: , , , ,
Release Date: November 2009
Genres: ,
Periods:
Discs: 1
Total Playing Time: 79:44

McLachlan has long had a fine reputation as a performer of Russian music, as well as championing brilliant but little-known composers such as Williamson and Chisholm (see the composer index). On this CD, he presents the Piano Sonatas nos 1 and 2 by Shostakovich with works by composers in his circle; though not Russian, the piece by Roland Stevenson is included both because it is based on Shostakovich’s name, but also because Stevenson, politically, can genuinely be called a ‘comrade’ of those devoted to Socialism but fighting the Stalinist regime.

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Track Listing

    Dmitri Kabalevsky:
  1. Piano Sonata no. 3 in F major, Op. 46 − I. Allegro con moto (5:11)
  2. Piano Sonata no. 3 in F major, OP. 46 − II. Andante cantabile (4:32)
  3. Piano Sonata no. 3 in F major, OP. 46 − III. Allegro giocoso (4:13)
  4. Nikolai Myaskovsky:
  5. Song and Rhapsody, Op. 58 − I. Andante cantabile (5:58)
  6. Song and Rhapsody, Op. 58 − II. Allegro assai (5:33)
  7. Dmitri Shostakovich:
  8. Piano Sonata no. 1, Op. 12 (12:37)
  9. Ronald Stevenson:
  10. Recitative and Air (DSCH) (5:35)
  11. Dmitri Shostakovich:
  12. Piano Sonata no. 2 in B minor, Op. 61 − I. Allegretto (7:25)
  13. Piano Sonata no. 2 in B minor, Op. 61 − II. Largo (5:47)
  14. Piano Sonata no. 2 in B minor, Op. 61 − III. Moderato (13:54)
  15. Rodion Shchedrin:
  16. Tschastuschki: Concerto for Solo Piano (9:00)

Reviews

Classical Net

Extremely generously-filled disc is the first of a series… judging from this initial helping, there is much that one can discover and enjoy. McLachlan plays with intensity and affirmation and his razor-sharp articulation helps to make a persuasive case for this challenging music. An auspicious start to what should be a hugely stimulating cycle, with notes and sound which are both first rate.

” —Gerald Fenech
BBC Music Magazine

Eloquent intensity…. McLachlan’s performance of [the Shostakovich 2] is very good indeed… McLachlan makes his personality felt in his firm delineation and intense lyricism Performance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recording ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

” —Calum MacDonald
DSCH Journal

A bounty of piano treats… Murray McLachlan’s programme offers a colourful cross-section of composition by the household names of the era. McLachlan’s idiomatic connection to the works on the programme is clearly evident as he brings off each with complete authority. The disparate elements of the [first Shostakovich Sonata] gel thanks to the driving momentum and vigorous brilliance of his playing.

” —Louis Blois
MusicWeb

The new series of Russian Piano Music from Divine Art begins auspiciously… exceptional examples of twentieth-century works for piano. A fine reading from Murray McLachlan. McLachlan contributes some fine perspectives on twentieth century piano music from Russia… a fine introduction to the repertoire.

” —Jim Zychowicz
Mid West Record

[McLachlan] continues his musical excavations in fine style… he has Russian music as a prime love and it shows in his playing. A real find for those that want to expand horizons with a tour guide that loves his work.

” —Chris Spector
Musical Pointers

A fine demonstration of McLachlan’s virtuosity and stamina. Recommended.

” —Peter Grahame Woolf
Liverpool Daily Post

The romantic Russian music by composers not so familiar in this country is proving well worthwhile, as is this CD.

” —Peter Spaull
Musica

This is a nice collection of CDs of the Russian piano repertoire… the pieces by Myaskovsky, Stevenson and Shchedrin – though not at their first recording here – can be considered real rarities.

” —Riccardo Risaliti
Fanfare

An illuminating context [for the two Shostakovich sonatas]. Murray McLachlan plays with tremendous enthusiasm and conviction… the disc offers considerable pleasures. Those who opt for this release will be amply rewarded.

” —Peter J. Rabinowitz