International Piano

Soldano’s recital (part of Divine Art’s Russian Piano Music series) builds from the glowing lyricism of the Etude-Tableau Op. 39/2 in A minor via the op. 16 Moments musicaux to the towering First Sonata: a clear and compelling trajectory.

Soldano, who has previously recorded Castelnuovo-Tedeso and Bortkiewicz, shows a great deal of affinity for Rachmaninov’s music. The long lines of the Etude-Tableau reveal a fine interpreter; the second of the Op. 16 set is another highlight, scurrying lines meticulously pedalled. While the characteristic Rachmaninov bells are underplayed, Soldano captures the glowing grandeur of the final Maestoso with fingers of steel.

The First Sonata is a strong performance, tempestuous and full of contrasts. Both Leslie Howard and Howard Shelley excel in this sonata, but Soldano keeps his head held high. The central Lento is the centre of gravity, unhurried in its grief. A little more depth to the piano recording would have sealed the deal.

—Colin Clarke