Shostakovich: Piano Sonata No. 1 / 24 Preludes BUY ON AMAZON

Dmitri Shostakovich

Piano Music, Vol. 1
Konstantin Scherbakov, Piano
Naxos 8.555981

 

 

 

classics today

24 Preludes op. 34

Aphorisms op.13

Sonata No. 1 op. 12

3 Fantastic Dances op. 5

 

"Konstantin Scherbakov certainly has the measure of the almost quixotic contrasts of mood in the latter work [24 Preludes], demonstrating sensitive and technically brilliant playing that is captured in a recording of outstanding clarity and perspective...Of other currently available recordings, Raymond Clarke on Athena offers some insights into the Preludes and the First Sonata, but Scherbakov's programme is ultimately the more satisfying." Erik Levi, BBC Music Magazine

 

"After listening to this dazzling and astoundingly sensitive performance of Shostakovich's 24 Preludes by Scherbakov, another CD of the same work played by Artur Pizarro made quickly its way to a secondhand shop. Scherbakov possesses huge dynamic range and artistic acumen of Russian masters like Richter, Gilels and Sofronitsky. Devastatingly powerful performance of neglected masterpiece, Shostakovich's 1st sonata (which matches Prokofiev's War Sonatas in originality and disturbing dissonances), and the very unique and highly provocative miniture work, Aphorisms Op.13 make for truly gripping listening experiences. A must-buy for any piano-files!!!" Amazon.co.uk

 

"For a less caustic, more ample-toned, and softer-edged set of Shostakovich Op. 34 Preludes than we usually hear, check out Konstantin Scherbakov. His performances contain many beautiful things. ...All the virtues Scherbakov brings to the Preludes equally apply to the composer's gnarly Aphorisms cycle and youthful Three Fantastic Dances. The pianist also sails through the First Sonata's unrelenting polytextural thickets and age-of-steel dissonances with maximum power and minimum struggle. ...one of the finest sounding solo piano discs Naxos has produced." Jed Distler, Classics Today

 

"This recital by Konstantin Scherbakov is a treasure trove of delights, performed to an extremely high standard... Scherbakov is a player with a keen sense of form and style, and he has technique to burn in some writing that is certainly knuckle busting. If one were to seek one word to describe this set, perhaps ‘refreshing’ would be the most accurate... This recital is a fine alternative to the run-of-the-mill piano disc, and a worthy addition to any record shelf. Highly recommended." Kevin Sutton, Musicweb

„Mit dieser Aufnahme... der bedeutendsten Solo-Klavierwerke Dmitri Schostakowitschs schwingt sich Konstantin Scherbakov endgültig zum unanfechtbaren Interpreten...der Musik seines Landesmannes auf. ...Besser kann Dmitri Schostakowitsch kaum klingen. Eine Referenzeinspielung!“ Piano News

 

"Die neue CD ... ist vom ersten bis zum letzten Takt ein Hörereignis... Das jeweilige Werk entstand wie neu, gleichsam als zweite Schöpfung... Eine exemplarische Interpretation." Rondo-Magazin