Prokofiev: Sonatas & Sarcasmes

On this CD:

1. Piano Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 14
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Marie-Noelle Damien

2. Sarcasms (5), for piano, Op. 17
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Marie-Noelle Damien

3. Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major ("War Sonata 1"), Op. 82
Composed by Sergey Prokofiev
Performed by Marie-Noelle Damien

Tracks:

I. Andante Grave - Moderato Animato - Allegro Moderato
II. Moderato - Andante Dolce
III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Andantino
I. Lento - Allegro Moderato - Moderato
II. Allegro Scherzando
III. Andante
IV. Allegro Mosso - Moderato - Vivace
II. Allegro
IV. Marcia. Energico
III. Finale. Allegro Vivo

Customer Reviews:

A "rare" collection.......2007-02-08

A wonderful grouping of well-known and less well-known pieces for cello and piano--a pleasure to listen to over and over again.

Music that will make you tingle inside..........2005-06-10

Ok, I don't usually write reviews, since of course, I see so many people spouting off at the mouth about things that they either don't understand or those that just want to complain or self-gratify.

That being said though, I had to write a little something about this cd. I'll admit a prejudice for those Ma-Ax recordings, so bear with me. I think they are one of the strongest ensemble musicians I've encountered. Not only in their duo recordings are they always musicians first and foremost and not merely soloists recording together but also in those venues which include other greats, like Isaac Stern or Richard Stoltzman.

The main pieces on this recording are nearly awe-inspiring. While Ax describes in the liner notes the Profiev as having some 'crude and ackward' treatment of the melodies, I found it to be very intense and dark. Loving every bit of the piece. I don't think its as intense as the Shostakovich, but there are some similarities.

The real gem on this cd though has to be the Rachmaninoff. There's a place towards the very beginning of the first movement that will make you tingle in a spot, that dare not speak its name, or my name isn't Artemis Jack, which it isn't, but I'm sure you'll still enjoy it anyway.

To be honest with you, there's not a moment in the Rachmaninoff that isn't filled with unbelievable lushness and magic, every moment in the sonata is amazing. You'd think that with a piece so heavily dominated by the piano that the cellist would get lost or pushed into a corner someplace. Not only does the cellist play a very important role, but in ways has the choicest melodies. I wouldn't guess that many cellists would find this piece terribly challenging, but I would hope they'd revell in the experience.

I should commend Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma for being the wonderful chamber musicians they are. One of the things that people don't always understand, musicians and audiences alike, is that chamber music is very 'conversational'. My own experience as a professional pianist has at times led me to despise working with others because they simply refuse to acknowledge or share with another musician. Lets face it, the score may list this instrument or that one first, but without the piano where in the world would you be??? The main thing in all of the chamber music environments is to converse, exchange, and relish in the experience thats available in playing such great music.

If there's anything to squak about it, its the following snippets from other works. I'm not sure who's brilliant idea it was to include them, but it really is annoying and almost taints the whole experience of the first two works. That isn't to say that the music isn't beautiful and wonderfully played, but for me, there was just nothing else that needed to be said after the Rachmaninoff. Besides, if you're able to hear the Shostakovich, played by Ma/Ax, you'll agree that having just the second movement is a letdown.

No matter, I hope you'll be able to experience this cd and all the lush wonderfulness it has to offer. I finally also apologize for succumbing to the very thing that I said I detested...verbose self-gratification! Oh well, whats a guy to do?

Possible the most sublime cello sonata.......2004-06-14

As the CD cover indicates, the star performance on this CD is the Rachmaninoff sonata played by Ma and Ax. I would recommend any cello music lover to buy this CD for the Rachmaninoff sonata alone. My only disappointment is that the Shostakovich sonata is not present in its full on this CD, the allegro movement is breathtaking, Ma is certainly the king of cellists, and Ax is as per usual a superb match for Ma.

James Galway ~ Flute Sonatas - Franck · Prokofiev · Reinecke / with M. Argerich · P. Moll

Average customer rating:

A MUST for serious flutists
excellent CD
Don't be fooled by Gaudy Galway: This CD isn't bad.

James Galway ~ Flute Sonatas - Franck · Prokofiev · Reinecke / with M. Argerich · P. Moll

Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Flute Master Pieces
Music For My Friends
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Les Nouveaux Musiciens

ASIN: B000003FGA
Release Date: 1997-04-15

Tracks:

Sonata In A Major: Allegretto ben marcato
Sonata In A Major: Allegro
Sonata In A Major: Recitativo fantasia
Sonata In A Major: Allegretto con brio
Sonata In D Major: Andantino
Sonata In D Major: Allegro
Sonata In D Major: Andante
Sonata In D Major: Allegro con brio
Sonata, Op. 167 ('Undine'): Allegro
Sonata, Op. 167 ('Undine'): Intermezzo
Sonata, Op. 167 ('Undine'): Andante tranquillo
Sonata, Op. 167 ('Undine'): Fianle

Amazon.com essential recording

César Franck's ever-popular Violin Sonata exists in many different versions, including one for cello and this one for flute. None of these arrangements seems to stem from the composer himself, but that doesn't matter, since the music holds up very well regardless of the instrumental vehicle. What makes this disc so spectacular--Galway's bright, immaculate performances aside--is the presence of Martha Argerich, arguably the world's greatest living pianist and something of a specialist in this very sonata as well as in the music of Prokofiev. With the Reinecke sonata thrown in as a bonus, the result is a great chamber-music recording all-around and not just another flute disc. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A MUST for serious flutists.......2006-01-30

James Galway truly sets the standard for flute playing. Being a flutist myself, I am always looking for any true flute literature recordings by Galway. His "pop" stuff is o.k., but we need more recordings of standard literature. If you do not have this in your audio library or if you've never heard these pieces before, you MUST get this one! Also, if you are an accompanist needing to hear these pieces, this is an excellent recording as Argerich and Moll are fabulous!

excellent CD.......2000-02-23

The sonatas are very good and they explore different possibilities that the flute has.Galway's tone specially it's color is incredible.I have never heard any flutist that has that tone it's just so beautiful I could even say it's perfect.The piano part of this sonatas is not just accompaniment it has the same importance as the flute part.Argerich is a master of the piano and in combination with Galway the results are very good. Moll does a fine job in the piano but in my opinion he is not at Argerich's level. If you like classical music and you like the flute buy this CD.

Don't be fooled by Gaudy Galway: This CD isn't bad........1999-08-27

The Franck and Prokofiev sonatas were originally released back in 1975 (RCA LRL1-5095). It had a great picture of Galway and Argerich sharing the jacket equally. Given the difficulty of the piano part (to say nothing of the more attractive countenance of Argerich), this was most fitting. And so I am very disappointed that it was replaced by a gaudy picture of James sporting his golden flute. Granted, this release also includes Reinecke's Undine Sonata, with Phillip Moll at the keyboard. In any case, this CD is worth getting, especially on account of the Franck and Prokofiev sonatas. James's flute sound does get a little tiresome after a while because he seems incapable of producing varying tonal shades. Nevertheless, Argerich's playing makes this a worthwhile CD to have.

Average customer rating:

Great performances
Not quite as fulfilling as other recordings...
Great fun!
An Exciting Performance
Not so good...

Prokofiev:Piano Sonatas Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1, 4 & 6
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Garrick Ohlsson: Prokofiev; Bartók; Webern; Barber

ASIN: B0000026OO
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 7, Op. 83: I. Allegro inquieto
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 7, Op. 83: II. Andante caloroso
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 7, Op. 83: III. Precipitato
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 8, Op. 84: I. Andante dolce
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 8, Op. 84: II. Andante sognando
Piano Sonata In B-Flat Major, No. 8, Op. 84: III. Vivace

Amazon.com

This disc poses a bit of a quandary. Yefim Bronfman's playing of the Seventh Sonata is so exciting that it's impossible not to recommend. Even as he is powering his way through the most difficult sections of the music (including the entire finale), Bronfman still plays with control and the kind of nuance few pianists could spare attention for. On the other hand, I don't feel he is as successful with the Eighth Sonata. Its enigmatic, mysterious first movement is always a problem, and I don't feel Bronfman completely succeeds in projecting its changes of mood. The other two movements are more convincing, but then the disc is over (47:42). But if you love that Seventh Sonata as I do.… --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Great performances.......2007-02-22

I had hesitated to buy this recording because of some less-than- enthusiastic reviews, but I love Bronfman's other Prokofiev recordings and wanted to hear his interpretation of the 7th and 8th sonatas. I could not believe my ears as I listened to both sonatas. Bronfman gets such a rich, full, orchestral sound from the piano. But more than that, he plays with such attention to detail and nuance, and commands such a wide dynamic range, that his playing is always musically satisfying. I thought the 7th Sonata was intelligently interpreted, with some exquisite moments and beautiful voicings in the 2nd movement. And the 3rd movement (which everybody loves)--exciting, and free from strange rubato and oddly timed tempo changes which I have heard in many other performanfces of this. One of the reviewers mentioned his poor pedal-work in this movement. I thought his pedaling was brilliant.

The 8th sonata is equally satisfying--Bronfman's technical command of the keyboard is stunning, as is his musicality and view of the overall architecture of the sonata, as well as each individual movement.

I'm so glad I bought this recording. It will be my number one recording to recommend to piano students learning these pieces---so they can hear them played well. I wouldn't interpret everything exactly as Bronfman does, but I tip my hat to him for his insights and I respect his extremely high standards of playing in all his Prokofiev recordings.

Not quite as fulfilling as other recordings..........2004-06-17

I must admit, when I first heard this recording I was impressed by the clarity and technical precision of Bronfman's playing. His playing is, overall, quite excellent: I would expect nothing less from a pianist of his stature and reputation.
However, I believe that the discerning listener might not be too satisfied with this recording. Bronfman's executions of both sonatas are technically dazzling, yet lack in artistic interpretation.
The first movement of the seventh sonata IS too fast. Prokofiev marked it as "Allegro inquieto"; a speed which is normally suggested around 120 bpm. It is not marked vivace, presto, or even allegro scherzando. He is also lacking a sort of mysterious quality which other players, most notably Pollini, possess while playing this Sonata. Once again this is most evident in the first movement. The last movement of the seventh is played brilliantly and precisely, fully conveying what I believe Prokofiev meant while writing this piece.
I am also disappointed in Bronfman's interpretation of the first movement of the 8th sonata. It is marked "Andante dolce", and once again Bronfman rushes, playing it more at a "Moderato" rather than an andante. In addition his playing lacks this quality of bittersweetness which I believe Prokofiev intended in this movement: a beautiful first theme with an eriee undercurrent.
The most important thing about the Sonata-Allegro form is the contrast of thematic and tonal relationships. In Prokofiev's 7th and 8th sonata, commonly called the War Sonata's, the thematic contrast CANNOT be more juxtaposed. That is what makes the development section so interesting: the use of material from two strangely different themes. Bronfman ignores this concept entirely. The themes are supposed grow on to each other in an organic sense.
I suggest Garrick Ohlson's recording of the 8th Sonata (recorded on Arabesque along with the Barber Sonata, the Bartok studies, and the Webern variations), and Pollini's recording of the 7th Sonata (Deutsche Grammophon, with Stravinsky's Petrouchka, Webern's Variations, and Boulez's 2nd Sonata). Both recordings offer the pinnacles of 20th century piano repertoire, and both are considered the standard in terms technical prowess and artistic interpretation in these two momentous works.

Great fun!.......2001-05-29

I enjoyed both of the so-called "War Sonatas" immensely. This is one of my favorit CDs. Appollo and Dionysius on one disk!

An Exciting Performance.......2000-06-27

Bronfman adds a great touch to these two Prokofiev sonatas. The seventh is excellent. The precipitato is fiery fast and an exciting performance.The eighth was equally enjoyable.He provides the mystery and wonder needed in the first movement, the dreaminess of the second, and the feelings of victory and confidence in the third. His interpretations provide a new outlook to these two very difficult sonatas. This is a definite steer from the traditional, but Bronfman stays on the right track.

Not so good..........2000-03-11

I love the 7th sonata and this version just seems to miss the point. It's sad to see such a wonderful piece of music be so strangely interpreted. The wonderful, fiery 3rd movement is reduced to what seems to be almost random emphasis -- the amazing melodic thread through it is completely lost. My favorite version of the 7th is Anthoni di Bonaventura's on the Sine Qua Non label which is apparently not in production anymore.

Mikhail Pletnev - Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas nos. 2 - 7 - 8

Average customer rating:

I don't know who's listening, but this is a lovely record
An interesting

Mikhail Pletnev - Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas nos. 2 - 7 - 8
Sergey Prokofiev , and Mikhail Pletnev
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000006NXO
Release Date: 1998-05-12

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 7 In B Flat Major, Op. 83: 1. Allegro inquieto - Andantino
Piano Sonata No. 7 In B Flat Major, Op. 83: 2. Andante caloroso
Piano Sonata No. 7 In B Flat Major, Op. 83: 3. Precipitato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo
Piano Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: 2. Scherzo: Allegro marcato
Piano Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: 3. Andante
Piano Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: 4. Vivace - Moderato
Piano Sonata No. 8 In B Flat Major, Op. 84: 1. Andante dolce - Allegro moderato
Piano Sonata No. 8 In B Flat Major, Op. 84: 2. Andante sognando
Piano Sonata No. 8 In B Flat Major, Op. 84: 3. Vivace - Allegro ben marcato - Andantino - Vivace, come prima

Amazon.com essential recording

There are two sides to Pletnev's character: the wayward virtuoso pianist, and the stiff, metronomic conductor. As a pianist Pletnev is fascinating; as a conductor, boring (at least usually). The reason for this dichotomy is simple: he hasn't a clue how to make an orchestra do what his fingers accomplish so effortlessly at the keyboard. Take the music of Prokofiev: he has recorded the ballet Cinderella, a performance of no particular distinction. But these sonatas are another matter entirely. Brilliant, rhapsodic, exciting, and powerful, Pletnev turns in magnificent performances, ones that stand comparison (in the 7th and 8th sonatas) with Richter, Pollini--you name it. It doesn't get any better. And as great Prokofiev sonata discs aren't exactly thick and furious in the current catalogue, this disc is a mandatory acquisition. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

I don't know who's listening, but this is a lovely record.......2006-08-31

Scriabin and Prokofiev are staples of the Russian piano literature on native soil, but in the U.S. one rarely hears them in recital. It's good to have this thoughtful CD from Pletnev, because his relaxed, lyrical, inward manner is rarely heard in Prokofiev. Most pianists approach his keyborad idiom as percussive and disjointed. Pletnev keeps those features to a minimum. As a result, it's not exhausting to listen to him performing three sonatas in a row. The opening movement of Sonata #2 is almost debussian in his hands, Sonata #7 for once isn't a brittle assault, and Sonata #8 is as balletic as an out take from Romeo and Juliet.

Collectors of this music are already wedded to great performances from Richter (above all), Gilels, Graffman, Bronfman, and ohters, but Pletnev is the most original interpreter I've heard--as always, he goes his own way.

An interesting.......2000-03-11

Pletnev's renditions of these sonatas has a melodic, sometimes dream-like quality that works best on the slower movements and works against him somewhat in the fiery, mechanistic parts. The complex layering in the 3rd movement seems to get a bit muddled and lost but overall it's not a bad version. A wonderful gem on this CD is the Scherzo from the 2nd sonata. It is very entertaining and I'd say the 2nd sonata is the best thing on the disc. By the way, my favorite rendition of the 7th is by Anthony di Bonaventura, but it's apparently no longer available.

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 9

Average customer rating:

Breathtaking!
Worth buying for a gorgeous ninth, but as for the rest...

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 9

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Prokofiev: The Five Piano Concertos

ASIN: B0000028XH
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 14: Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 14: Scherzo, Allegro marcato
Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 14: Andante
Sonata No. 2 In D Minor, Op. 14: Sonata No. 2 in D Minor, Op. 14: Vivace
Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 28 'From Old Notebooks': Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 28 'From Old Notebooks': Allegro tempestoso
Sonata No. 5 in C Major, Op. 38: Sonata No. 5 in C Major, Op. 38: Allegro tranquillo
Sonata No. 5 in C Major, Op. 38: Andantino
Sonata No. 5 in C Major, Op. 38: Un poco allegretto
Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 103: Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 103: Allegretto
Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 103: Allegro strepitoso
Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 103: Andante tranquillo
Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 103: Allegro con brio, ma non troppo presto

Customer Reviews:

Breathtaking!.......2004-01-17

This is an absolutely fantastic collection of interpretations. The nuances are so brilliantly, yet subtly, incorporated, and Bronfman's tone is amazing. My favorite is probably the second sonata ... in the first movement he produces such a fantastic, eerie sensation in the second theme. The last movement was so exciting and involved, carefully thought through in every way, yet played with a delightful abandon. I've listened to this CD over and over again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an absolutely spectacular performance of these sonatas.

Worth buying for a gorgeous ninth, but as for the rest..........2000-06-30

This is a mixed bag. Yefim Bronfman approaches the ninth with just the right amount of naivete and humility, but he does become a bit too clangorous in his versions of the second and third. I think that the extroversion of these pieces as opposed to the quietude of the 9th leads Bronfman to lose some of the nuances that he creates in the ninth. The fifth is fine, though he plays the original version (Prokofiev revised it at the end of his careeer), which is seldom played, so it caught me off guard.

Average customer rating:

from someone who was there
I also prefer Prokofiew-Ma & Ax what wonderful Performance
Please ignore bad reviews
One of the best CDs I own
Don't forget Prokofiev!

Rachmaninov, Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Chopin: Polonaise brilliante; Cello Sonata; Piano Trio

ASIN: B00000279S
Release Date: 1991-12-05

Tracks:

Sonata For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 119: I. Andante grave - Moderato animato - Allegro moderato
Sonata For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 119: II. Moderato - Andante dolce
Sonata For Cello & Piano In C Major, Op. 119: III. Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata For Cello & Piano In G Minor, Op. 19: I. Lento - Allegro moderato - Moderato
Sonata For Cello & Piano In G Minor, Op. 19: II. Allegro scherzando
Sonata For Cello & Piano In G Minor, Op. 19: III. Andante
Sonata For Cello & Piano In G Minor, Op. 19: IV. Allegro mosso - Moderato - Vivace

Amazon.com essential recording

The prize here is the Rachmaninoff cello sonata, a warm, hyper-Romantic musical tapestry that gives both the pianist and cellist a major workout. Ma is a superb chamber-music player, as is Ax. Both offer the kind of artistic give-and-take that a great performance of this music requires, while neither weighs the music down with excessive indulgence. The Prokofiev, a very different sort of musical beast, is a much lighter work, but it's done no less well. This is one of Ma's best chamber-music discs. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

from someone who was there.......2005-08-13

I was technical director for this recording. For those that "like the sound," thank you. For those that don't "hear" the soul in this recording, I can only say being there and listening and watching was one of the most moving and amazing experiences of my life. Trust me, there was soul and passion coming from Manny and YoYo. I believe the recording translates a good measure of that.

I also prefer Prokofiew-Ma & Ax what wonderful Performance.......2004-11-09

On "andante grave" the cello opens with a bass tone slowly the piano follows with & so moves the two instruments towards the end of quick movements to end with a soft subletly ending. In "iii moderato-andante dolce"-piano opens with a smooth cello sound following almost sliding sound -very lyrical cello. It is stated that Prokofiew's compositions were not usually acceptable by purists. I think his method -writing something that comes from within.Very funny though because Russian composers wer so afraid of the system of Govt.i.e Stalin era resulting in very restricted music. Yes I have a heart & I feel the music & I know when music deserves to be appplauded.Ma & Ax render an excellent interpretation. I noticed though that Ax's piano sounds powerful almost overshadows the cello especially at the end of "iii allegro ma non troppo andantino". Rachmaninoff's music is warm, subtle almost romantic especially "allegro scherzando" & "iii andante" & iv allegro mosso-moderato". Lucky for me I got the extended edition with 3 bonus tracks, Shostakovich -cello sonata -very lyrical with both players giving it an excellent performance -charming. Britten's cello sonata is so beautiful.The cello sounds like a crying child almost pleading to be forgiven -wistful -lyrical -ends with a gentle piano photo finish.Strauss 's music deserves to be applauded. There's intensity here. Yes Yo Yo Ma might not be the best cellist out there but he excells in this album.Ma is not my favourate cellist either but i cant just criticise everything he does simple because everyone feels the same about him.Therefore the questions are, Is he famous? YES does he sound the in "everything" he does? NO NO NO therefore does he do the best as an artist YES YES YES.is he is commited to music YES!YES!.

Please ignore bad reviews.......2003-11-14

I cannot agree with the bad reviews of this CD. It is one of the best I own (and I am a musician). I had the privilege of hearing this performed live by the two artists in San Francisco in 1986, and can only say it ranked as one of the great concert performances of my life. The two have a synergy that is amazing, as if they were thinking and feeling as one. Yes, Ma may be famous, but he still plays a mean cello, and this is ample evidence. Just watching the man play says volumes about his emotional interpretation, and that feeling is transferred to his music. I believe this is one of the better recordings of the Rachmaninov sonata, and I like the Prokofiev only slightly less. I promise you won't be disappointed.

One of the best CDs I own.......2000-12-13

And that says a lot. Ma and Ax deliver a fantastic performance on this CD, which also contains some of the finest recording quality you will ever hear. This CD converted me to Rachmaninov (whom I hadn't like prior to hearing his cello sonata). Ignore what the yahoo below says about Ma and Ax delivering a bad performance - this is an excellent CD, and I recommend it highly.

Don't forget Prokofiev!.......2000-10-08

Yes, the Rachmaninov Sonata is quite a beautiful work -- and this is coming from someone who can't stand Rachmaninov in general! I can't understand how one of the reviewers below could say that Ma and Ax ignore the intensity and climax points of this work. There is intensity, climax, and wonderful direction of phrasing aplenty in this recording. Perhaps such people expect Rachmaninov performances to be always cheezy and sentimental. In fact, the work is assertive and vigorous, though still thoroughly romantic. I'm inclined to think that Rachmaninov performance practice nowadays makes him sound more hopelessly cheezy than he really is. Oh well. But for me, the jewel of this CD is the Prokofiev Sonata. What an eloquent work, full of Prokofiev's deceptive simplicity! There is none of the cheeky energy of, say, the Fifth Symphony or the Seventh Piano Sonata. This work is full of a wistful lyricism, a gentle melancholy. Ma and Ax understand this and perform the work accordingly, with Ma's usually gorgeous phrasing and Ax's strong yet sensitive accompaniment. If you don't fall in love with Prokofiev's first movement, with all those gorgeous melodies and motives, I'm inclined to believe that you don't have any ears or a heart!

Average customer rating:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music
For the price you can't lose

Discover Music of the 20th Century

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Release Date: 2005-11-01

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Sehr Ruhig Und Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Lebhaft Und Zart Bewegt - Ulster Orchestra
Sehr Langsam Und Ausserst Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Fliessend, Ausserst Zart - Ulster Orchestra
Sehr Fliessend - Ulster Orchestra
Forlane: Allegretto - Klara Kormendi
First Tableau: The Shrove-Tide Fair - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Mountebank - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vivo - Bournemouth Sinfonietta
III. Moderato Pesante - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Hymn To St. Cecilia - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
IV. Allegretto - Ondrej Lenard
Introduzione: Andante Non Troppo-Allegro Vivace - Alexander Rahbari

Tracks:

Romance - Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra (Kosice)
II. Allegro - Ladislav Slovak
III. Allegro Agitato - Stephen Gunzenhauser
Main Theme From Schindler's List - Paul Bateman
The Unanswered Question - Northern Sinfonia
Second Electonic Interpolation (Conclusion) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Third Electronic Interpolation (Beginning) - Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
I. Liturgie De Cristal - Amici Ensemble
IV. Commentaire - Idil Biret
Warming Up, Leading To Model 1, Bass - Gregory Rose
'Gott Nochmal' Sun God - Gregory Rose
'Vishnu' God Of Storms - Gregory Rose
God Of The Earth - Gregory Rose
First Interlude - Boris Berman
I. - Roger Heaton
Short Ride In A Fast Machine - Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
The Lord's Prayer - Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge
II. Lento E Largo-Tranquillissimo - Zofia Kilanowicz
Lullaby - Philharmonia Orchestra
Vision Of The Hunt I - Philharmonia Orchestra
Voice For Solo Flute - Robert Aitken

Customer Reviews:

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.......2007-03-22

excellent overview of contemporaneous classic music.

Should be continued, plenty more 20th-century composers to be discovered.

For the price you can't lose.......2007-02-21

This 2 cd set consists of, as the title indicates, various 20c pieces or movements from the Naxos catalog. Sound quality is uniformly high, although for some such as Stockhausen's it's not clear if that's good or bad. What is excellent is the variety of the collection--some familiar (Debussy), others not, some pretty, others intentionally weird. Few will find every piece to his or her taste, but many listeners who do not spend much time on 20c music will find something to like. Overall, a great introduction to a period of much off-putting, yes, but also much compelling music.

Average customer rating:

A complete synthesis of the art of Prokofiev

Prokofiev: Complete Piano Sonatas

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies (incl. Symphony No. 4, Revised Version)
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music
Arnold Schoenberg: Chamber Music for Strings
Gyorgy Sandor Plays Prokofiev
Tippett: A Child of our Time

ASIN: B000007TRL
Release Date: 1998-07-21

Tracks:

Sonata No. 1, Op. 1 In F Minor: Allegro
Sonata No. 2, Op. 14 In D Minor: I. Allegro, ma non troppo
Sonata No. 2, Op. 14 In D Minor: II. Scherzo: Allegro marcato
Sonata No. 2, Op. 14 In D Minor: III. Andante
Sonata No. 2, Op. 14 In D Minor: IV. Vivace - Moderato - Vivace
Sonata No. 3, Op. 28 In A Minor: Allegro tempestoso - Moderato - Allegro tempestoso
Sonata No. 4, Op. 29 In C Minor: I. Allegro molto sostenuto
Sonata No. 4, Op. 29 In C Minor: II. Andante assai
Sonata No. 4, Op. 29 In C Minor: III. Allegro con brio, ma non leggiere
Sonata No. 5 (Original Version), Op. 38 In C Major: I. Allegro tranquillo
Sonata No. 5 (Original Version), Op. 38 In C Major: II. Andantino
Sonata No. 5 (Original Version), Op. 38 In C Major: III. Un poco allegretto

Tracks:

Sonata No. 5 (Revised Version), Op. 135 In C Major: I. Allegro tranquillo
Sonata No. 5 (Revised Version), Op. 135 In C Major: II. Andantino
Sonata No. 5 (Revised Version), Op. 135 In C Major: III. Un poco allegretto
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: II. Allegretto
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: III. Tempo di valzer lentissimo
Sonata No. 6, Op. 82 In A Major: IV. Vivace
Sonata No. 7, Op. 83 In B Flat Major: I. Allegro inquieto - Andantino
Sonata No. 7, Op. 83 In B Flat Major: II. Andante caloroso
Sonata No. 7, Op. 83 In B Flat Major: III. Precipitato

Tracks:

Sonata No. 8, Op. 84 In B Flat Major: I. Andante dolce - Allegro moderato - Andante dolce, come prima - Allegro
Sonata No. 8, Op. 84 In B Flat Major: II. Andante sognando
Sonata No. 8, Op. 84 In B Flat Major: III. Vivace - Allegro ben marcato - Andantino - Vivace, come prima
Sonata No. 9, Op. 103 In C Major: I. Allegretto
Sonata No. 9, Op. 103 In C Major: II. Allegro strepitoso - Andantino - Allegro strepitoso
Sonata No. 9, Op. 103 In C Major: III. Andante tranquillo
Sonata No. 9, Op. 103 In C Major: IV. Allegro con brio, ma non troppo presto
Sonata No. 10 (Fragment), Op. 137 In E Minor: Allegro moderato

Customer Reviews:

A complete synthesis of the art of Prokofiev.......2000-06-21

The nine piano sonatas of Prokofiev occupy an important position in the history of the piano of the twentieth century and they cover a time that crosses whole compositive activity of the Russian composer. In these works we find all the peculiarities of Prokofiev: the percussive and barbaric rudeness of the first period, the synthesis of virtuosity, choreographic spirit and neoclassicism of the intermediary period and the tragic expressiveness of the last sonatas, sometimes transfigured in episodes of intense lyricism; everything is built always with a recognizable style, offering a complete synthesis of the art of Prokofiev. The interpretation of Boris Berman is very valid, idiomatic, and it respects the spirit of the composer adequately. The presence of the recordings of some sonatas (2,6,7,8,9) in the extraordinary interpretation of Sviatoslav Richter prevents me to assign the fifth star to the edition of Berman. To the amateurs of Prokofiev I would recommend the acquisition of the complete edition of the piano works of Prokofiev, in 9 CDs, effected by Berman, also for Chandos; it is surely more expensive, but it represents a cultural contribution of high value. The quality of the recording Chandos is excellent.

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet

Average customer rating:

A Firebrand of a Pianist Completely in His Realm with Prokofiev

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet

Manufacturer: Warner Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Beethoven: Sonatas Nos. 7, 14 "Moonlight," 22, 23 "Appassionata"
Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Variations on a Theme of Corelli; Variations on a Theme of Chopin
Etudes Tableaux
Chopin: 24 Préludes
Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3

ASIN: B0001GCMDG
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Allegretto
III. Tempo Di Valzer Lentissimo
IV. Vivace
I. Allegro Molto Sostenuto
II. Andante Assai
III. Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Leggiere
I. Folk Dance
II. Scene
III. Minuet
IV. The Young Juliet
V. Masks
VI. The Montagues And Capulets
VII. Father Lorenzo
VIII. Mercutio
IX. Lily dance Of The Maidens
X. Romeo Bids Juliet Farewell

Amazon.com

Lugansky's Prokofiev is a winner: three major works played with virtuosity, power and, where necessary, delicacy, along with scrupulous attention to the score. The Sixth is the first of the composer's "War" Sonatas, premiered in 1940. The aggressive rhythmic opening gives way to a quiet theme, the entire movement permeated with an agitated restlessness well captured by the pianist. In the middle movements he creates the right atmosphere, infusing the slow waltz with premonitions on disaster. The propulsive, driving finale, like the virtuosic finale of the Fourth Sonata, is done with spectacular accuracy at supersonic speeds---thrilling rides, both. He's as good in the somber opening movements of the Fourth. And in the longest work on the disc, Lugansky nails each of the ten pieces Prokofiev transcribed from his Romeo and Juliet ballet score. There's jaunty swagger in "Masks," playfulness in "Minuet," gossamer pianism in "Lily Dance." The finale, drawn from several scenes, is quietly moving. A treasurable disc. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

A Firebrand of a Pianist Completely in His Realm with Prokofiev.......2005-09-02

Nikolai Lugansky is one terrific keyboard sensation. He plays Prokofiev's unforgivingly difficult piano scores as though they were simplicity itself. Lugansky is in control of the entire keyboard, keeping the far reaches of bass and treble pulsating with energy while he finds the poetry in the inner keys. The effect of his mastery of this literature is astonishing.

In both of Prokofiev's Sonatas 4 and 6 Lugansky reveals a velocity and accuracy of attack that is ferocious while still able to be light and playful. His dynamic range is expansive (and the recorded sound is very helpful in displaying this!) and his pianistic technique is at al times matched by his interpretative insight. He finds Prokofiev's melodies in every phrase, melodies usually hidden by other less facile pianists' hands.

The additional bonus of episodes from Prokofiev's score for the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' further substantiates Lugansky's credentials as a peppery, wizardly, yet gently poetic artist. One doesn't miss the orchestral original in Lugansky's hands. This is a very special recording by a fine pianist becoming better known on the stage today. Especially after this recording! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

Average customer rating:

A wise option but not the only one!
Good but there's better
Excellent
Great fun!

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1, 4 & 6

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2, 3, 5 & 9
Prokofiev:Piano Sonatas Nos. 7 & 8
Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 1, 3, & 5
Sergei Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4/Overture, Op. 34
Stravinsky, Prokofiev, Webern, etc / Maurizio Pollini

ASIN: B0000028MG
Release Date: 1994-07-26

Tracks:

Sonata No. 6 In A Major, Op. 82: I. Allegro moderato
Sonata No. 6 In A Major, Op. 82: II. Allegretto
Sonata No. 6 In A Major, Op. 82: III. Tempo di valzer lentissimo
Sonata No. 6 In A Major, Op. 82: IV. Vivace
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 29 'From Old Notebooks': I. Allegro molto sostenuto
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 29 'From Old Notebooks': II. Andante assai
Sonata No. 4 In C Minor, Op. 29 'From Old Notebooks': III. Allegro con brio, ma non leggiero
Sonata No. 1 In F Minor, Op. 1: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A wise option but not the only one!.......2006-09-21

Prokoviev' s style and creative output was intimately tied up with his activity as a pianist. As a matter of fact this is the main distinction respect his partnership -Dimitri Shostakovich - who always thought from the perspective orchestral, that' s why his piano music sound so expansive.

But there is still more: Prokoviev smartly, interweaved the classicism vision hovered by a visible irony blended with a musical speech that oscillated between the bitterness and the steeled nostalgia. Of course the marches are present in almost the entire production of Serguei, but we should never forget this genre meant for the Russians their emblematic feature, something like their collective signature, their particular epic.

But dislike Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff or Rimski Korsakov, Prokoviev does not use the religious element in his works as sustaining basis as the other three composers; Prokoviev lived in one of the most convulsed and troubled historical periods of Russia. The only fact to presence the crumbling of one thousand years of Tsar dynasty and the arouse of a new political system, apart of the overall set of artistic manifestations in total renovation, influenced notoriously his perspectives.

With these elements in mind, we must be disposed to appreciate all his important work. The fervent religious ardor was substituted by the cult to personality. The main problem for Prokoviev consisted to express through dissonant passages, all the horror, repulsion, nastiness and rage around his environment and surroundings with the risk of being awaken in the middle of the night in order to be executed.

The new generation of pianists simply did not live this period and simply know about through history books, how can you perform the whole bitterness, acidic score with percussive accents that clearly evoke obstinate bells of anguish and impotent desperation before the score that lies in front of you?

That' s and no other, underlines the transcendental difference that nestles and beats in the soul of performers who certainly lived and were direct witnesses of that opprobrious times such Sandor, Richter, Gilels, Berman, Ashkenazy or Bronfmann.

How to solve this problem in which to make the right approach to express the sound of that music in this double lexicon?

Fortunately, Bronfmann still remains as one the most lucid pianists that has known to convey that fatidic struggling and inner tensional state at the moment to perform these pieces.

Totally recommended.

Good but there's better.......2003-12-31

These are indeed very fine performances of some Prokofiev sonatas. Bronfman's technique never fails, and he really manages to capture the stunning drive that is so characteristic of Prokofiev's music. But I'm missing one thing: the madness and the illuminating tone that you can hear in Sviatoslav Richter's recordings of Prokofiev, especially his Sixth Sonata. Still, Bronfman holds his stand quite well.

Excellent.......2001-05-29

Excellent performances of great music. The sound quality is very good as well. Buy it immediately!

Great fun!.......2000-06-30

Prokofiev is probably the only major composer since Beethoven to leave a substantial collection of sonatas for the the piano. These are the three of the more accessible ones. The sixth is by far my favorite of Prokofiev's nine, and Bronfman's performance is spectacular. He has chops to spare, as is obvious from his gleeful romp through the deliriously fast fourth movement. I loved the one-movement first sonata so much I decided to learn it. It is a truly manic piece, without a second of respite, and Bronfman's masterful performance leaves me breathless. It is Prokofiev's opus 1, and is written in a late romantic style reminiscent of Skriabin or Rachmaninov more than the mature Prokofiev. Prokofiev never lost his romantic lyric gift though. Check out the third movement of the sixth sonata if you don't believe me...

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