Experience the mastery of Lazar Berman in this captivating collection of piano works by Liszt, Mussorgsky, and Rachmaninoff. Released on March 22, 2025, via UME - Global Clearing House, this album showcases Berman's virtuosity and deep musical insight, spanning a rich tapestry of classical piano repertoire.
The album opens with Mussorgsky's iconic "Pictures at an Exhibition," a suite that Berman brings to life with vivid imagery and technical brilliance. Each movement, from the whimsical "Gnomus" to the haunting "The Old Castle," is rendered with exquisite detail and expressive depth.
Liszt's compositions are also prominently featured, including selections from "Années de pèlerinage" and his powerful piano concertos. Berman's interpretations of these works are marked by their clarity, passion, and unyielding precision, making them standout performances in his discography.
Rounding out the album are preludes and other piano pieces by Rachmaninoff, showcasing Berman's ability to navigate the composer's complex and evocative writing. The album's diverse program offers a comprehensive look at Berman's artistry, making it a essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 28 minutes, this album is a testament to Berman's enduring legacy as one of the great pianists of our time. Whether you're a longtime admirer of his work or a newcomer to his recordings, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo rustico, senza allegrezza, ma poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 1. Gnomus.Sempre vivoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 2. The Old Castle. Andantino molto cantabile e con doloreModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 3. The Tuileries Gardens. Allegretto non troppo troppo, capricciosoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 4. Bydlo. Sempre moderato, pesanteModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Tranquillo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 5. Ballet of the Chickens in Their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 6. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. Andante. Grave-energico - AndantinoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo russico, poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 7. The Market-place at Limoges. Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 8. The Catacombs (Sepulchrum romanum). Largo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: Con mortuis in lingua mortua. Andante non troppo, con lamentoModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Pictures at an Exhibition - for Piano: 9. The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga). Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: II. Au lac de WallenstadtFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: III. PastoraleFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: IV. Au bord d'une sourceFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: V. OrageFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage I, S. 160: VII. EglogueFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: II. Il PenserosoFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: III. Canzonetta del Salvator RosaFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Venezia e Napoli, S. 162: Supplément aux Années de pèlerinage II: II. CanzoneFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Années de pèlerinage III, S. 163: VII. Sursum corda (Erhebet eure Herzen)Franz Liszt, Lazar Berman
Piano Concerto No. 1 in E flat, S.124: 3. Allegro marziale animatoFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A, S.125: 2. Allegro agitato assaiFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A, S.125: 4. Allegro decisoFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A, S.125: 5. Marziale un poco meno allegroFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini
Piano Concerto No. 2 in A, S.125: 6. Allegro animato - StrettoFranz Liszt, Lazar Berman, Wiener Symphoniker, Carlo Maria Giulini
Prélude In G Sharp Minor, Op. 32, No. 12: AllegroSergei Rachmaninoff, Lazar Berman
Prélude In B Flat, Op. 23, No. 2: MaestosoSergei Rachmaninoff, Lazar Berman
Prelude In F Sharp Minor, Op. 23, No. 1: LargoSergei Rachmaninoff, Lazar Berman
Lazar Berman, born in Leningrad in 1930, was a titan of the classical piano world, renowned for his thunderous technique and passionate interpretations. A late torchbearer of the grand Russian Romantic pianism tradition, Berman's career was marked by his extraordinary virtuosity and emotional depth. He studied under the esteemed Alexander Goldenweiser at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, honing his skills to become a formidable performer. Berman's performances were celebrated for their power and precision, making him a standout interpreter of composers like Liszt and Rachmaninoff. His legacy as a virtuoso in the grandest tradition of classical piano continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike.
Vinylscout
Lazar Berman
