Sergei Rachmaninoff, a titan of classical piano, presents "Solo Classical Piano," a captivating collection of his most revered compositions and interpretations of other masters. Released on May 5, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 28 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the depths of Rachmaninoff's musical genius.
The album features 39 tracks, showcasing Rachmaninoff's own compositions alongside his renditions of works by Schubert, Bach, Chopin, and more. From the hauntingly beautiful "Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor" to the lively "Waltz No. 12 in F Minor," each piece is a testament to Rachmaninoff's unparalleled skill and emotional depth. His interpretations of Schubert's "Schwanengesang" and Bach's "Prelude and Fugue No. 10" reveal his ability to breathe new life into classical masterpieces.
Rachmaninoff's own works, such as the iconic "Prelude in D-Flat Major, Op. 28: No. 15 (Raindrop)" and the virtuosic "Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 90," demonstrate his unique ability to blend technical brilliance with profound expressiveness. The album also includes lesser-known gems like "Choros No. 5, 'Alma brasileira'" and "Variation 21. A 1 Clav. Canone alla Settima," offering a fresh perspective on his extensive repertoire.
This album is a must-listen for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Rachmaninoff's straight-forward yet deeply resonant playing style, as noted in his famous RCA recordings, shines through in every note. Whether you're drawn to the lyrical elegance of "Gymnopedie No. 3" or the dramatic intensity of "Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor," this collection promises to captivate and inspire.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
No. 11, Alt-Wien, Whose yesterdays look backwards with a smile through tearsLeopold Godowsky, Konstantin Scherbakov
No. 3, Daisies (Version for Piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julia Severus
Schubert - Schwanengesang, S. 560/R. 245: No. 7, Standchen (Leise flehen meine Lieder) [After F. Schubert]Franz Liszt, Oxana Yablonskaya
Waltz No. 12 in F Minor, Op. 70, No. 2Frédéric Chopin, Idil Biret
No. 1 in E MajorClaude Debussy, François-Joël Thiollier
Prelude and Fugue No. 10 in E Minor, BWV 855Johann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
I. AndanteAlexander Scriabin, Alexander Ghindin
II. Tempo di minuetLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor, B. 49Frédéric Chopin, Idil Biret
Variation 21. A 1 Clav. Canone alla SettimaJohann Sebastian Bach, Jenő Jandó
III. Une barque sur l'oceanMaurice Ravel, François-Joël Thiollier
IV. Sehr langsamRobert Schumann, Paul Gulda
No. 1 in G Major: Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
No. 6, To the SpringEdvard Grieg, Einar Steen-Nøkleberg