Beethoven Piano Sonatas Op. 54 & 78 • Rachmaninoff Piano Sonata No. 2 Op. 36
February 2021
After a few years of intermittent and erratic career, sadly marked by the death of his mentor and wife, the also pianist Alicia Kerezade, we can finally celebrate his imposing and powerful return from Sony Classical, thanks to magnificent performances of prominent Beethoven piano Sonatas and the phenomenal Rachmaninov ‘s Sonata op 36 . Pogorelich aimed to unite for his return to the music world by recording works from two of the biggest composers’ virtuosos and piano performers ever. He does so by playing reference works, although some critics believe that perhaps a binomial Sonatas Waldstein or Appassionata by Beethoven confronted Rachmaninov could have been still more attractive.
In any case, Pogorelich offers us a very intimate approach of these works, with a very beautiful phrasing, a rather slow tempi, and a certain harshness in the pulsation which he compensates with a deep emotional charge and an even deeper introspection.
The result is very fascinating and captivating. Particularly in the beautiful Beethoven Sonata No. 24, exquisitely played, and outstanding and formidable in Rachmaninov, performed in its proper measure, without sentimentality, with a remarkable sensitivity and great virtuosity.
Beethoven’s Op. 54 leaves us moving moments, such as the fortes of the initial Menuetto, or the passage in the Adagio indication which leads to Tempo primo with greatly performed coda. Another detail is the absolute clarity in the articulation, as it happens in all the Allegretto. In Op. 78, the indications of leggieramente and the subtle crescendi are masterfully performed, immersing the listener an irresistible flow.
The first phrase of Rachmaninov’s Sonata has a unique pianistic color and a perfectly gradual progression towards a continuous sound clarity, which provides an exciting experience to the listener.
This return to the recording studios is very promising and would be highly celebrated by many music lovers. Big presence recording. Highly recommended.
– Clara Horner
