Composer: Sergey Rachmaninov
Performer: Lukas Geniušas
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Alpha
Catalogue: ALPHA997
Release: 2023
Size: 864 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28
01. I. Allegro moderato
02. II. Lento
03. III. Allegro molto
04. Prelude Op. 32 No. 2 in B flat minor
05. Prelude Op. 32 No. 7 in F major
06. Prelude Op. 32 No. 8 in A minor
07. Prelude Op. 32 No. 13 in D flat major
The pianist Lukas Geniušas has recorded the original version of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata no.1 in the composer’s Swiss home Villa Senar (Sergei & Natalia Rachmaninoff) and on his own piano, an unusually long Steinway & Sons model, presented to the composer and concert pianist by the manufacturer to mark his sixtieth birthday. The difference between the original version of Sonata no.1 and the second version, shorter by more than 100 bars, is not just a question of length, according to Lukas Geniušas: ‘There is a lot lost between the first and second editions. I know it goes against the grain, but I would name this sonata to be one of, if not the best Rachmaninoff’s solo piano work. Its shattering might, its splendor and scale can only be likened to the Third piano concerto, which was written soon after.’ The programme is completed by four preludes from the Op. 32 set.