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Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2; Isle of the Dead / Giltburg
Naxos

Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2; Isle of the Dead / Giltburg

Contemporary Virtuosic Romantic Dramatic Piano
$13.99
$19.99 Save 30%

Details

Composer
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Artist
Boris Giltburg
Format
CD
Label
Naxos
Released
Feb 14, 2025
Catalog #
8574601
UPC
747313460175

About

Symphonic in scale and with great dramatic power, Rachmaninoff's Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor is an underappreciated masterpiece, depicting a tremendous range of human emotions. The turbulent and brilliant Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor is heard in the 1931 revised version which clarifies textures and streamlines the work, heightening it's emotional impact. The Isle of the Dead employs Georgy Kirkor's 1957 transcription which Boris Giltburg has revised significantly. Giltburg's authority in Rachmaninoff has been universally acknowledged, with his performances termed 'characterful, sensitive and technically dazzling' by BBC Music Magazine (Naxos 8.574528).

REVIEW:

For all his technical ability and mastery of what is possible on the piano, Boris Giltburg is not a merciless technician, but a pianist who immerses himself in the music.

In the two Rachmaninoff sonatas, Giltburg draws us into a music that takes off without harshness, almost floating, and clearly tending toward Scriabin. The contrasts are made all the more exciting by the spontaneity of the playing, as are the magnificent, exciting melodic arcs with which he makes the piano sing.

The transcription of the symphonic poem ‘Isle of the Dead’ is also very successful, because Giltburg and Kirkur have obviously felt the dark and demonic secrets of this music very well. With his imaginative playing, Giltburg gives the piano a very active role, allowing it to act rather than merely reproduce impressions. The music of the Isle of the Dead shimmers in many colors and is full of dramatic power, full of life.

— Pizzicato

Tracklist 7 tracks

  1. 1 I. Allegro moderato 14:29
    Track
    1
    Title
    I. Allegro moderato
    Duration
    14:29
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  2. 2 II. Lento 09:21
    Track
    2
    Title
    II. Lento
    Duration
    09:21
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  3. 3 III. Allegro molto 14:57
    Track
    3
    Title
    III. Allegro molto
    Duration
    14:57
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  4. 4 I. Allegro agitato 08:22
    Track
    4
    Title
    I. Allegro agitato
    Duration
    08:22
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  5. 5 II. Non allegro - Lento - 06:27
    Track
    5
    Title
    II. Non allegro - Lento -
    Duration
    06:27
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  6. 6 III. Allegro molto 05:29
    Track
    6
    Title
    III. Allegro molto
    Duration
    05:29
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg
  7. 7 Ostrov myortvikh (The Isle of the Dead), Op. 29 (arr. G. Kirkor and B. Giltburg for piano) 18:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    Ostrov myortvikh (The Isle of the Dead), Op. 29 (arr. G. Kirkor and B. Giltburg for piano)
    Duration
    18:48
    Composer
    Sergei Rachmaninoff
    Performer
    Boris Giltburg