Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 1 (Original Version) & Preludes Op. 32 Classical Alpha

Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 1 (Original Version) & Preludes Op. 32

Show recording details

AJ 0997

Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonata No. 1 (Original Version) & Preludes Op. 32

Label Catalogue Number:
ALPHA997

Release Date: October 2023
Originally recorded in October 2023

Genre:
Classical

Stream About Reviews Media

This item is temporarily unavailable.

About

The pianist Lukas Geniušas has recorded the original version of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata no.1 in the composer’s Swiss home Villa Senar (Sergei & Natalia Rachmaninoff) and on his own piano, an unusually long Steinway & Sons model, presented to the composer and concert pianist by the manufacturer to mark his sixtieth birthday. The difference between the original version of Sonata no.1 and the second version, shorter by more than 100 bars, is not just a question of length, according to Lukas Geniušas: ‘There is a lot lost between the first and second editions. I know it goes against the grain, but I would name this sonata to be one of, if not the best Rachmaninoff’s solo piano work. Its shattering might, its splendor and scale can only be likened to the Third piano concerto, which was written soon after.’ The programme is completed by four preludes from the Op. 32 set.

Please login to post a review

Reviews

“… Recommended …”

Richard A Kaplan – Fanfare – May/June 2024

Interpretation ***** Sound ***** Repertoire *****

Helmut Peters – Piano News (Germany) – March/April 2024

Choc du Classica

Melissa Khong – Classica magazine (France) – March 2024

Editor’s Choice – Instrumental Section

“… Anyone with more than just a passing interest in Rachmaninov will need to have this excellently recorded disc on their real or virtual shelves.”

David Fanning – Gramophone magazine – December 2023

“… This is splendid playing in every way, full of colour and daring and scholarship. Whether it is the break out recording Geniušas’ career merits I couldn’t say – I picked this from the release schedule on account of the pianist not the programme – but Rachmaninov enthusiasts are in for a treat.”

David McDade – MusicWeb-International.com – 4 December 2023

Performance ***** Recording *****

“… More from this pianist in this unique venue, please.”

David Nice – BBC Music magazine – Christmas 2023

Recommended

“…One reason why the additional music is so powerful is that the whole is powerfully played. ..”

Roy Westbrook – MusicWeb-International.com – 23 November 2023

Media Downloads

Whenever possible we provide a high resolution CD cover image and a PDF version of the CD booklet for you to download and keep.
These are found in your history if purchased and once you have logged in.

My Wish List