Emil Gilels, a name synonymous with virtuosity and profound musical insight, is celebrated in the comprehensive compilation "Emil Gilels 100: Essential." Released in 2016 by JSC "Firma Melodiya," this album is a testament to Gilels' enduring legacy, featuring a meticulously curated selection of his finest recordings. Spanning over five hours, the album encompasses a diverse range of classical piano masterpieces, from the intricate compositions of Mozart and Beethoven to the evocative works of Chopin and Rachmaninoff.
This collection is not just a compilation but a journey through the evolution of Gilels' artistry. It includes iconic pieces such as Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathétique'" and Chopin's "Nocturnes, L. 91: No. 2, Fêtes," showcasing Gilels' unparalleled technical prowess and emotional depth. The album also features lesser-known gems like Godowsky's arrangement of Mozart's "Fantasy on Two Themes from 'The Marriage of Figaro'" and Stravinsky's arrangements from "Petrushka," highlighting Gilels' versatility and adventurous spirit.
Each track is a masterclass in piano performance, capturing the essence of Gilels' distinctive style—characterized by its clarity, precision, and profound expressiveness. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. "Emil Gilels 100: Essential" is a fitting tribute to one of the 20th century's most revered pianists, providing a comprehensive overview of his extraordinary career and enduring influence on the world of classical music.
Fantasy on Two Themes from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro", BV B66Franz Liszt, Ferruccio Busoni, Emil Gilels
Suite No. 1 in G Minor: VI. Giga (Arr. Leopold Godowsky)Jean-Baptiste Loeillet, Emil Gilels
Pastourelle, FP 45bFrancis Poulenc, Emil Gilels
Nocturnes, L. 91: No. 2, Fêtes (Arr. Leonard Borwick)Claude Debussy, Emil Gilels
Grandes Etudes de Paganini, S. 141: V. The HuntFranz Liszt, Emil Gilels
Hungarian Dances, Book 1, WoO 1: No. 1 in G MinorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
Ballade No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 23Frédéric Chopin, Emil Gilels
Song Without Words, Op. 38: VI. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Emil Gilels
Incidental Music for "A Midsummer Night’s Dream ", Op. 61: II. Scherzo (Arr. Sergei Rachmaninoff)Felix Mendelssohn, Emil Gilels
Hungarian Rhapsody, S. 244: No. 6 in D-Flat MajorFranz Liszt, Emil Gilels
Pastorale and Capriccio on Motives of Domenico Scarlatti’s Sonatas in D Minor, K. 9, and in E Major, K. 20Carl Tausig, Emil Gilels
Études-Tableaux, Op. 39: No. 5 in E-Flat MinorSergei Rachmaninoff, Emil Gilels
Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra, FWV 46César Franck, Emil Gilels, Karl Eliasberg, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All-Union National Radio Service and Central Television Networks
Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise Brillante, Op. 22Frédéric Chopin, Emil Gilels, Karl Eliasberg, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All-Union National Radio Service and Central Television Networks
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22: I. Andante sostenutoCamille Saint-Saëns, Emil Gilels, Karl Eliasberg, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All-Union National Radio Service and Central Television Networks
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22: II. Allegro scherzandoCamille Saint-Saëns, Emil Gilels, Karl Eliasberg, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All-Union National Radio Service and Central Television Networks
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 22: III. PrestoCamille Saint-Saëns, Emil Gilels, Karl Eliasberg, Grand Symphony Orchestra of All-Union National Radio Service and Central Television Networks
Grandes Etudes de Paganini, S. 141: III. La CampanellaFranz Liszt, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 80: I. Allegro con fuocoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 80: II. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 80: III. Scherzo - Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 80: IV. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Petrushka: Russian Dance (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Igor Stravinsky, Emil Gilels
Petrushka: The Petrushka's Room (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Igor Stravinsky, Emil Gilels
Petrushka: The Moor's Room (Arr. Theodor Szanto)Igor Stravinsky, Emil Gilels
Petrushka: Dance of the Ballerina (Arr. Theodor Szanto)Igor Stravinsky, Emil Gilels
Petrushka: The Shrovetide Fair (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Igor Stravinsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: I. Andante dolceSergei Prokofiev, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: II. Andante sognandoSergei Prokofiev, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: III. VivaceSergei Prokofiev, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique": I. Grave - Allegro di molto e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique": II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 "Pathetique": III. Rondo - AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": III. Presto agitatoLudwig van Beethoven, Emil Gilels
4 Impromptus, Op. posth. 142, D. 935: No. 1 in F minorFranz Schubert, Emil Gilels
Pavane pour une infante défunte, M. 19Maurice Ravel, Emil Gilels
Jeux d`eau, M. 30Maurice Ravel, Emil Gilels
Forgotten Melodies, Op. 38: I. Sonata-ReminiscenzaNikolai Medtner, Emil Gilels
3 Nouvelles Etudes, B. 130: No. 2 in A-Flat MajorFrédéric Chopin, Emil Gilels
Etudes, Op. 25: No. 2 in F MinorFrédéric Chopin, Emil Gilels
The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33ter: II. ScherzoSergei Prokofiev, Emil Gilels
The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33ter: I. MarchSergei Prokofiev, Emil Gilels
Variations on a Theme by Paganini, Op. 35, Book IJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
7 Fantasien, Op. 116: I. Capriccio in D MinorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
7 Fantasien, Op. 116: II. Intermezzo in A MinorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
7 Fantasien, Op. 116: III. Capriccio in G MinorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
7 Fantasien, Op. 116: IV. Intermezzo in E MajorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels
7 Fantasien, Op. 116: V. Intermezzo in E MinorJohannes Brahms, Emil Gilels