Yevgeny Sudbin plays Medtner and Rachmaninov
£13.25
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Label: BIS
Cat No: BIS1848
Format: Hybrid SACD
Number of Discs: 1
Genre: Instrumental
Release Date: 29th January 2016
Contents
Works
Fairy Tales (Skazki) (2), op.20Artists
Yevgeny Sudbin (piano)Works
Fairy Tales (Skazki) (2), op.20Artists
Yevgeny Sudbin (piano)About
As an interpreter of both these composers, Sudbin has proven himself both in concert and on disc, with previous recordings being named ‘Disc of the Month’ in Gramophone, ‘Essential Recording’ in BBC Music Magazine and ‘10/10’ on ClassicsToday.com, to mention just a few of the distinctions awarded them.
Sound/Video
Paused
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1Medtner - Prologue from Stimmungsbilder, op.1
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2Medtner - Fairy Tale, op.51 no.3
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3Medtner - Sonata-Reminiscenza, op.38 no.1
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4Medtner - Fairy Tale, op.20 no.1
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5Medtner - Fairy Tale, op.26 no.1
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6Medtner - Canzona matinata, op.39 no.4
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7Medtner - Sonata tragica, op.39 no.5
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8Rachmaninov - Prelude in D major, op.23 no.4
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9Rachmaninov - Prelude in G minor, op.23 no.5
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10Rachmaninov - Prelude in G major, op.32 no.5
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11Rachmaninov - Prelude in F minor, op.32 no.6
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12Rachmaninov - Prelude in G sharp minor, op.32 no.12
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13Rachmaninov - Prelude in D flat major, op.32 no.13
Europadisc Review
Sudbin’s limpid touch reveals unexpected depths even in the slightest of the Medtner pieces, such as the three selected Fairy Tales, or the rapt Prologue from the early Stimmungsbilder, op.1 (1895). Indeed, it’s a constant source of wonder that Sudbin is able to delineate the different layers of texture with such a combination of clarity and poetry. In the longer works – the relatively well-known Sonata-Reminiscenza and the dramatic Sonata tragica – there’s a level of musical commitment and a variety of tone and dynamics that completely transport the unsuspecting listener. The Sonata tragica follows straight on (as the composer wished) from the delightful Canzona matinata, which in this performance has a brilliant rhythmic flexibility to it, together with a velvety-soft touch.
Sudbin’s playing combines, to a rare degree, technical mastery (rhythmic precision, the ability to ‘voice’ a chord to perfection) with real expressive engagement and understanding. It’s easy to imagine Medtner’s rhythmically and polyphonically complex music being used by some pianists as mere showpieces. With Sudbin, by contrast, there’s musical honesty and complete lack of pretension, allied to an ability to transcend the technical demands of the music. His enthusiasm for this music is never in doubt, conveyed not just by his matchless playing but by his compelling booklet notes.
The same strengths are evident in his Rachmaninov: this is a nicely-balanced selection of six Preludes from both the op.23 and op.32 sets. The barcarolle-like D major Prelude, op.23 no.4, is clearly deeply felt, and it’s followed by a memorably exhilarating account of the famous G minor Prelude, op.23 no.5, which has real rhythmic bite and poise. Just as impressive are the four op.32 works: Sudbin brings a ferocious intensity to the F minor Prelude (no.6), but just as remarkable is the Ravel-like sensitivity and luminosity in the ‘watery’ numbers 5 and 12 (G major and G sharp minor).
The recordings – drawn from several dates in 2009, 2012 and 2014 – are well-matched, ideally placed (giving a front-stalls perspective) and bring out the tonal riches of the Steinway model D. These performances are not only technically exemplary, but emotionally thoroughly gripping. A really compelling release!
Reviews
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