Search - Prokofiev, Richter :: Piano Sonatas 2,6 & 9

Richter plays Prokofieff

10/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Definititely the classic recording of those three sonatas. All three sonatas are recorded live. Richter doesn't make the exagerated rubatos, the hysteric shapings, and the constant tempo changes every few measures that we hear so many times especially in Prokofieff-Recordings of some other pianists. He plays true Prokofieff, straight and honest without showing off. This CD is the best example of Richter's great playing. The extreemly beautiful passages (e.g. 2nd theme of the 2nd sonata) in contrast to his unique overwhelming power, that makes him to the Titan of all pianists. If somebody works on those Prokofieff sonatas or just reads or analyses them, this is the only recording that counts. Highlight on the CD is the very difficult finale of the 6th sonata; it is played so powerful with an incredible speed, that it puts the listener into an extase. Some of the younger generation people say, that Kissin, is the best recording of the 6th sonata, but although I admire the Kissin recording very much, I have to say, there is no and will never be any comparison to this Richter-recording. This CD is one of the most essential CD's for any pianist, or lover of piano music, and it is without any doubt, the finest recording of the 2nd, 6th, and 9th sonata ever made."

For Prokofiev's sonatas, Richter is as good as it gets

John Grabowski | USA | 06/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many areas of classical music it can be tough to find the best recordings of a work. But with the Prokofiev piano sonatas, it's easy. Richter is the king of these titanic modernist essays, each unique and yet stylistically recognizable and consistent at the same time. Slava's no-nonsense approach and straight-forward (read, not a lot of empty bravado, but power and muscle where it's called for) interpretations bring out the stark, angular, brooding beauty in these works like no other interpretor--compare Pletnev's lukewarm readings of some of the same works. Needless to say, Richter's technical mastery is second to none, as usual. The sound is fine, the notes excellent and informative, and the price is right. No wonder Prokofiev himself considered Richter his champion, and dedicated major works to him. This disc is a steal--grab it before it's deleted!"