Prokofiev, Balakirev, Tchaikovsky, Glinka-Balakirev / Shehori Plays Russian Music (Piano Music)

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2011-12-04 Pull Date: 2012-02-05 Charts: Classical/Experimental
Week Ending: Feb 5 Dec 11
Airplays: 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Dec 31, 2014: 12-31-2014
(6:08) Tchaikovsky: Romance In F Minor, Op. 5
3. Dec 08, 2011: razor's edge ii
(6:06) Glinka-Balakirev: The Skylark, (6:43) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Andante Caloroso, (8:08) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Allegro Inquieto
2. Feb 02, 2012: The Redefined Soul
(6:06) Glinka-Balakirev: The Skylark

Album Review
Larry
Reviewed 2011-11-29
Prokofiev, Balakirev, Tchaikovsky, Glinka-Balakirev / Mordecai Shehori, Piano
Label: Cembal d’amour

Larry K.
Reviewed: 2011-11-28

SHEHORI PLAYS RUSSIAN MUSIC: PROKOVIEV, GLINKA-BALAKIREV, BALAKIREV, TCHAIKOVSKY, TCHAIKOVSKY-PABST
Label: Cembal D’amour 2009

Prokofiev (1891-1953) was a fine pianist, and, according to pianist/scholar Shehori, intended his Sonata No. 7, one of 3 composed 1939-42, to be played with warmth, color and beautiful legato lines, not percussively and harshly, as in modern piano competitions. Politically, Profofiev had been forcing cheerful compositions from his pen because Stalin insisted, but here he allows other emotions. Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857), father of the national school of Russian music, “crystallizes the essence of the Russian feelings” in The Skylark, arranged for piano by his student Mili Balakirev (1837-1910). His Islamey, inspired by folk music from the Caucasus region, is quite difficult but full of melodic interest. Tchaikovsky’s songs here are melancholy. Tchaikovsky called Paul Pabst (1854-1897), a student of Liszt, “a pianist blessed by God.” Pabst created a magnificent paraphrase on themes from Tchaikovsky’s Opera Eugene Onegin. With delightful melodies. For piano aficionados, the Pabst will hold great interest, for others the melodies of Glinka, Balakirev and Tchaikovsky.


(8:08) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Allegro Inquieto. Nervous, mocking 1st theme, slow thoughtful 2nd theme. Atonal, but not harsh.
(6:43) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Andante Caloroso. Lush, sad theme; chromatic section; clangorous, bell-like climax; return to lush.
(3:23) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Precipitato. Exciting, jazzy toccata, featured in opening credits of the Gran Turismo 5 game.
*(6:06) Glinka-Balakirev: The Skylark. Sweet melancholy, becoming dramatic before birdsong and flight return.
*(9:04) Balakirev: Islamey (Oriental Fantasy). Rapid, virile Cossack dance; mountain ballade; dance returns, becoming corybantic.
(2:02) Tchaikovsky: The Lark (From The Seasons, Op. 37). Melancholy, yearning, imitates a lark’s singing.
(6:08) Tchaikovsky: Romance In F Minor, Op. 5. A sad song, with a central Polonaise-like section.
(8:33) Tchaikovsky: Dumka, Op. 59. Stern bass melody with a scintillating soprano atop. Heavy peasant dance intrudes (5:25), then quiet reprise of opening.
*(14:59): Tchaikovsky-Pabst: A Paraphrase After Eugene Onegin. Impressive pianism brings delightful melodies to life in sometimes surprising guises, exploring the piano’s tonalities and registers.

Track Listing
1. (8:08) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Allegro Inquieto   5. (9:04) Balakirev: Islamey (Oriental Fantasy)
2. (6:43) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Andante Caloroso   6. (2:02) Tchikovsky: The Lark (From The Seasons, Op. 37)
3. (3:23) Prokofiev: Sonata No. 7, Op. 83, Precipitato   7. (6:08) Tchaikovsky: Romance In F Minor, Op. 5
4. (6:06) Glinka-Balakirev: The Skylark   8. (8:33) Tchaikovsky: Dumka, Op. 59
  9. (14:59): Tchaikovsky-Pabst: A Paraphrase After Eugene Onegin