Russian Piano Music volume 15: Tchaikovsky

Price range: £8.99 through £14.99

Label:
Catalogue No: DDA 25157
EAN/UPC: 809730515729
Artists:
Composers:
Release Date: October 2022
Genres:
Periods:
Discs: 1
Total Playing Time: 71:36

Stefania Argentieri is a young Italian pianist of consummate skill – so necessary to give full expression to the piano music of Tchaikovsky, much of which remains strangely under-appreciated. She has won many awards and has performed at prestigious events in Europe and the USA. She teaches at the Giordano Conservatory in Foggia and is also working as a music editor. Stefania has made recordings with her chamber ensemble. This is her second solo album for Divine Art, following her well-received recording of Prokofiev released in 2020: “outstanding (MusicWeb International); “True command of this daunting repertoire” (The Whole Note).

This album showcases the spectrum of Tchaikovsky’s art from the pastoral and gentle (extracts from 18 Pieces and The Seasons) to the noble and high-Romantic (the ‘Grand Sonata’) and at a time when modern Russia is blighted by its leaders’ warmongering and aggression, a reminder that the Russian musical art of the past is still as instructive and valuable as ever.

Track Listing

    Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893):

  1. 18 Morceaux, Op. 72 - No. 2 Berceuse (6:14)
  2. 18 Morceaux, Op. 72 - No. 5 Méditation (5:07)
  3. 18 Morceaux, Op. 72 - No. 14 Chant élégiaque (6:47)
  4. Romance in F minor, Op. 5 (6:11)
  5. The Seasons, Op. 37a - No. 6 June: Barcarole in G minor (4:48)
  6. The Seasons, Op. 37a - No. 12 December: Christmas-tide in A flat (4:17)
  7. Piano Sonata ("Grand") in G major, Op. 37 - I. Moderato e risoluto (14:53)
  8. Piano Sonata ("Grand") in G major, Op. 37 - II. Andante non troppo, quasi moderato (11:27)
  9. Piano Sonata ("Grand") in G major, Op. 37 - III. Allegro giocoso (3:43)
  10. Piano Sonata ("Grand") in G major, Op. 37 - IV. Allegro vivace (7:59)

Reviews

American Record Guide

Tchaikovsky could not have found a more sympathetic exponent than this pianist. We cannot fail to capitulate to the ravishing sensuality of the playing. My guess is that you will embrace her ravishing execution with the same enthusiasm as I did.

” —Alan Becker