Dive into the profound and introspective world of Grigory Sokolov with "Classical Melancholy," a captivating collection of 25 tracks that showcase the pianist's extraordinary talent and deep connection to the classical repertoire. Released on November 24, 2017, under the naïve classique label, this album spans a duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes, offering a rich and varied listening experience.
"Classical Melancholy" features a diverse array of compositions, from the delicate and expressive "Lamento della ninfa" by Claudio Monteverdi to the powerful and evocative "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber. Sokolov's mastery of the piano is evident in every piece, whether he is performing solo or collaborating with esteemed artists such as Rinaldo Alessandrini, Quatuor Mosaïques, and Karol Teutsch, accompanied by Das Neue Orchester.
The album includes iconic works like Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major" and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5," as well as lesser-known gems like "Les valseuses" and "La lugubre gondola." Sokolov's interpretations are marked by their technical brilliance and emotional depth, making this album a standout in his discography.
"Classical Melancholy" is not just a collection of beautiful music; it is a testament to Grigory Sokolov's artistry and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding and enriching experience.
24 Prelude, Op. 28: No 4, Largo in E MinorFrédéric Chopin, Grigory Sokolov
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Züricher KammerOrchester, Howard Griffiths, Fazıl Say
Don Juan, Wq. 52: No. 31, Danza degli spettri a delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Arr. as Agnus Dei by Laurence EquilbeySamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act II, Scene 18: No 17, Ach, ich fühls, es ist verschwunden (Pamina's Aria)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sandrine Piau, Freiburger Barockorchester
Polifemo: Alto giove (Aria)Nicola Porpora, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques, Ewa Mallas-godlewska, Derek Lee Ragin
Elégie in C Minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Anne Gastinel, Orchestre National De Lyon, Emmanuel Krivine
6 String Quartets, Op. 18, No. 6 in B-Flat Major: IV. La Malinconia. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Quatuor Mosaïques
Les valseuses - After Bertrand Blier's FilmStéphane Grappelli, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Laurent Korcia
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra: II. —Philip Glass, Adela Anthony, Takuo Yuasa, Ulster Orchestra
La Melancholia, Operatorio for Soloists, Chorus, Brass, Orchestra and Band: No 2, Il quarto loco, ExtractPascal Dusapin, Nan Christie, Cécile Eloir, Timothy Greacen, Martyn Hill, Orchestre National De Lyon, David Robertson
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Agnus Dei, Choral Version in B-Flat MinorSamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Nisi Dominus in G Minor, RV 608: No 4, Cum dederit (Aria)Antonio Vivaldi, Sara Mingardo, Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. II: No. 39, Erbarme dich mein Gott (Aria)Johann Sebastian Bach, Angela Kazimiercszuk, Das Neue Orchester, Christoph Spering
Adagio in G MinorTomaso Albinoni, Karol Teutsch, Orchestre Leopoldinum-wroclaw
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Danza degli spettri e delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto - Arr. for Solists and Chorus by Gérard PessonGustav Mahler, Solange Anorga, Hélène Moulin, Jean-François Chiama, Jean-Francois Lombard, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Requiem in D Minor for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra, K. 626: No 6, LacrimosaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Spering, Das Neue Orchester, Chorus Musicus Köln
Préludes, Livre 1, L. 117: No. 6, Des pas sur la neigeClaude Debussy, Noël Lee
King Arthur, Z. 628: What Power Art Thou (Aria)Henry Purcell, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
La lugubre gondola, S. 134 - Third Version Arranged for Cello and PianoFranz Liszt, Anne Gastinel, Pierre-Laurent Aimard
Grigory Sokolov, born in 1950, is a Russian pianist of extraordinary renown, often hailed as one of the greatest living pianists. His repertoire is vast, ranging from the intricate works of Baroque composers like Bach and Couperin to the complex compositions of Schoenberg and Arapov. Sokolov's performances are celebrated for their depth and precision, earning him a reputation for perfection. Despite his acclaim, Sokolov remains an enigmatic figure, not widely known to the general public. His rigorous lifestyle, including a strict vegan diet and minimal sleep, reflects his dedication to his craft. Sokolov's concerts are not just musical events but journeys into the heart of classical piano mastery. Residing in Italy, he regularly tours Europe, captivating audiences with his sensitive interpretations and technical brilliance.
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Grigory Sokolov
