Classical Music

Classical Music

Tchaikovsky wrote the Children's Album and the Op.37 Sonata at the same time, and they're so different. It amazes me that these are so little known in UK. The Children's Album is fantastic - a masterpiece. He wrote three volumes of piano music, and what of it is known here?... The trouble is, Tchaikovsky is almost always played badly! There are two wrong ways: the Russian wrong way and the Western wrong way. Most Russians make a rough sound, full of violent emotions, heart on the sleeve. Westerners often have a refinement that the Russians lack, and which is an important part of Tchaikovsky too, but it has no power. (Mikhail Pletnev).

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

This 'po�me de l'extase is something else altogether... this develops into a thrillingly intense, even intimidating experience. Subtle refinement is scarcely on the agenda, yet the sheer theatrical fervour of this account is hard to resist, and those malignant sneers from muted USSR SO trombones at 8:27 onwards have to heard to be believed (was this particular passage ever more evil-sounding than here?). What a pity the applause was edited out-I was on my feet long before the end! (Gramophone)

Classical Music

A most enjoyable recital, and one for which many listeners will be grateful. What is Impressive here is the pianist's integration of fragility and firmness, simplicity and complexity. Stott is at once so warmly intense, so poetic, so refined. She also draws the loveliest variegated tone from her piano.

Classical Music