Italian pianist known for his interpretations of Romantic repertoire; largely overlooked during his lifetime but recognized posthumously through archival recordings.
Sergio Fiorentino has been one of the best pianists of the second half of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, he is not as known as many other colleagues of his, who were supported by important labels. For this reason he lacks a catalogue of official recordings, but this does not mean that he has no documentation of his art. The proof is this extensive release that contains a selection of Fiorentino’s version of some of the masterpieces of Franz Liszt’s repertoire, who was one of his most beloved composers.
Rachmaninoff: Complete Solo Piano Works / Fiorentino
Rhine Classics
CD
$74.99Jul 17, 2020
Recorded live in September 1987, this release features Fiorentino’s legendary complete survey of Rachmaninov’s solo piano works. “…an utterly mindblowing release of the complete Rachmaninoff solo piano music by Italian master pianist Sergio Fiorentino, to whom the piano world owes a huge debt of gratitude for coaxing the master out of retirement and ensuring that his last decade of concerts was recorded. In this set, we find in absolutely stunning sound quality Fiorentino’s masterful traversals of Rachmaninoff’s solo works, the golden sheen of his sound and refinement of his nuancing as captivating as his passionate and intelligent interpretations.” (The Piano Files)
Pianiste (FR): Not to be missed! Musicweb (UK): Now, however, Rhine Classics has collected all Fiorentino's Saga records, in recordings made between July 1958 and June 1960, and remastered them in this 10-CD box. The pianist at the time seems to have been omnivorous
Sergio Fiorentino (1927-1998) exceptionally detested any superficial gestures and facial expressions when sitting at his instrument. In that respect and in his general view on making music he was true to pianists like Rachmaninov and Moiseiwitsch. The utmost technical difficulties were executed by his hands, and he showed neither strain nor superfluous movements, also never compromising in tempo. His hands always close to the keys, he exerted wonders of clear articulation and full piano tone. Never did he sacrifice the music to show off his tremendous technical endowments. Rhine Classics' collection will comprehensively represent all the significant "non-commercial" recordings left by Fiorentino (from Master's Private Archive), in top-quality remastered sound.
