Sergei Rachmaninov: Variations, Op. 22/Piano Sonata, Op. 28

On this CD:

1. Variations on a Theme of Chopin, for piano, Op. 22
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov
Performed by Boris Berezovsky

2. Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28
Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov
Performed by Boris Berezovsky

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
These are both fine performances, although in the end they are both also-rans. Kurt Masur's Dvorák is expressive and conspicuously well-played, his Janácek very well organized and featuring some amazingly powerful brass. Eventually one realizes that, as each performance progresses, they are not as emotionally involving as the best we have heard. If the odd coupling appeals, there's nothing really wrong with this disc. But with Ancerl, Kubelík, and Talich (especially his Supraphon) available in the Symphony, and Abbado, Ancerl, and Mackerras in the Sinfonietta, the Teldec isn't compelling. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Endless pleasure.......2007-01-24

Fortunately for my pocketbook, I listen to these recordings now mostly from my iTunes library or on my iPod. I say fortunately because I would have long since worn them out. Few of my hundreds of CDs have given me as much pleasure over many years as these. I don't doubt that one can find individual performances of many of these works that may top Shelley's, but for sheer, consistent quality in both interpretation and sound this set is hard to beat. While I have many Rachmaninov recordings by Russian performers, I find myself coming back to Shelley's by preference most of the time. Only in the case of Alexis Weissenberg's characteristically manic DG performance of the two piano sonatas do I find myself regularly drifting from Shelley.

Shelley's recordings of the piano concertos with Bryden Thomson and the Scottish National Orchestra are likewise solid and thoroughly enjoyable as are his three recordings, with various singers (notably Sergei Leiferkus), of the wonderful Rachmaninov Lieder.

Sergei Rachmaninov: Variations, Op. 22/Piano Sonata, Op. 28

Average customer rating:

Superb rendering of Sonata
Inspirational!
Absolutely amazing
Read Those Labels! (but my mistake turned out great)

Sergei Rachmaninov: Variations, Op. 22/Piano Sonata, Op. 28

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Theme; Largo
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation I: Moderato
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation II: Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation III: Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation IV: Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation V: Meno mosso
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VI: Meno mosso
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VII: Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation VIII; Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation IX; Allegro
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation X: Piu vivo
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XI: Lento
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XIII: Largo
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XV: Allegro scherzando
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVI: Lento
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVII: Grave
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XVIII: Piu mosso
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XIX: Allegro vivace
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XX: Presto
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XXI: Andante
Var(s) on a Theme of Chopin, op.22: Variation XXII: Maestoso
Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Allegro moderato
Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Lento
Pno Son No.1 in d, op.28: Allegro molto

Amazon.com

These are both fine performances, although in the end they are both also-rans. Kurt Masur's Dvorák is expressive and conspicuously well-played, his Janácek very well organized and featuring some amazingly powerful brass. Eventually one realizes that, as each performance progresses, they are not as emotionally involving as the best we have heard. If the odd coupling appeals, there's nothing really wrong with this disc. But with Ancerl, Kubelík, and Talich (especially his Supraphon) available in the Symphony, and Abbado, Ancerl, and Mackerras in the Sinfonietta, the Teldec isn't compelling. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Superb rendering of Sonata.......2005-03-30

Here's a real treat. An unfairly neglected sonata by Rachmaninov, played by one of the most underrated talents of our generation. Rachmaninov's long and meandering sonata has no short of his famous long, intense and moody melodies. Its of a darkter colouring that the more well-known 2nd sonata, but I actually prefer this work.
Berezovsky (winner of the 1st prize in the 1990 Tchaikovsky competition) also gave a magnificent performance of the Chopin variations. However, I am disappointed that he chose to make cuts. I would have preferred to hear the whole work unmutilated. Nonetheless this CD is worth it for the sonata alone!
Berezovsky, in my opinion, is comparable to compatriots like Pletnev and Kissin. I also recommend his breathtaking performance of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes, and sensitive interpretation of the Chopin etudes.

Inspirational!.......2004-12-14

On first heraing this CD I must admit I didn't quite know what to make of it. Though a great fan of Rachmaninoff's works for piano and orchestra and a lot of his solo piano music, these two pieces had managed to evade me. This is my first reason for congratulating Mr.Berezovsky, as he chose, rather than another version of the second sonata or the preludes, to commit to CD two works which are rarely heard in the concert hall or anywhere else for that matter.
Upon first hearing, both the variations and the sonata can be a lot to get ones head around. The sonata approaches 40mins in length and it's relentless intesity can be truly draining to listen to, however on completion one feels like they have been on a kaleidoscopic journey, and cannot deny that both the music itself and the interpreatation given are as near to perfection as one could imagine. ie. It's hard to imagine the music being played in any other manner.
The music is complex, with a LOT of notes and a great deal of contrapuntal writing, yet Berezovsky's meticulous attention to voicing ensures that one is always made aware of which line to listen and therefore never 'lost', so to speak. In a work of such epic proportions Berezovsky relays the broader structure like a true master, and the result is something really quite special. Highly recommended .

Absolutely amazing.......2003-11-05

Great music and great performance!!! Truly recommend to all who loves perfectionism, clear sound and high professionalism!

Read Those Labels! (but my mistake turned out great).......2000-08-18

I have owned this recording for several years (alas, I did not get it from Amazon, or I might have noticed that I was buying a solo piano album, and not, as I supposed, the First Piano CONCERTO; not having been previously familiar enough with the Variations to realize my mistake).

I was over my initial disappointment very quickly; and eventually became quite hooked; this disc was added to the extremely short list of those I play at night when trying to relax (I suspect many listeners will not find either piece particularly relaxing, as they contain many, many musical ideas running at once; rivaling Bach in complexity).

The variations are a wonderful window into what must have been Rachmaninoff's earliest days; one can often clearly hear which composer's style he is "doing"(and each variation is marked as a track on the CD for easy reference; though the piece plays continuously). One also hears echoes of the Third Piano Concerto; and Rachmaninov's inimitable style triumphs over what could have been for him merely a dry exercise.

Mr. Berezovsky (whom I had never heard of before this album) turns in an eerily accurate performance; though one occasionally misses the deeper emotional touch of someone like Rudolf Serkin: even if the older artists do hit a crack between the keys every now and then. This is not really a complaint, the performance is a remarkable one.

This CD was a very significant one for me in another way; it sent me scurrying off for more of Rachmaninoff's solo piano works, and even, some of Chopin's. I credit it's influence as I eventually explored other areas of Russian music; (and yes, I did eventually find all of Rachmaninov's Piano CONCERTOS, thank you).

I found this to be a disc that grows on you, and offers new delights over many playings. For this, and for it's potential signpost to music many have not considered, I highly recommend the recording.

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