Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas Nos. 2, 7 & 8

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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The very capable pianist Glemser's recording of Prokofiev's 2nd, 7th, and 8th sonatas is a typically satisfying release from the consistantly rewarding classical label: Naxos.

Glemser seems to understand Prokofiev's attitude very well, and brings along a suitably idosyncratic performance to present these great and especially challenging pieces. At once stiff and then loose playing throughout is usually what I hear from Glemser's Prokofiev.

The performance of the 7th is terrific. I wouldn't be surprised if it's one of the most consitantly brilliant performances of the 7th on disc, with the final movement that rocks as hard as anything from the past century.

The same goes for the 2nd sonata. I'll even goes as far to call it possibly the best, most engaging version ever recorded. Glemser seems to have a ball playing the final movement; one which I never grow tired of.

The performance of the 8th is where some listeners seem to be extra-critical( particularly the first movement). It's a very tough sonata, and many people are seemingly secure in the knowledge that there will never be another version above the Sviatoslav Richter version.
But actually, Glemser does it very similar to Richter's performance. If I remember right, Glemser even does the final movement a bit faster than Richter(though not as wild and speedy as Chiu's version).
It's the first movement that gets points off from this recording.
It's nice, but played a bit to....matter-of-factly, I suppose.

Anyhoo...
This is a great disc, and well worth the incredibly modest price tag.
And don't forget Bernd Glemser's other recordings of Prokofiev's piano sonatas(a complete set is finally available); each one worth it's weight.
I highly doubt you will be dissapointed.

As with the piano concertos, the 9 piano sonatas by Prokofiev have, with a few exceptions, have been unfairly neglected. The 3 on this disc are brilliant, the 7th and 8th being a bit better, and understandably more famous than the 2nd. The playing here is great, this performane of the 7th is, in opinion, better than Polini's 'great' recording on DG.

A genius at the piano, Prokofiev wrote incredible sonatas. Naxos have published all but 5 and 6, together with the Romeo and Juliet pieces. These are on two CD's, played by Bernd Glemser. I am in the habit of buying names which are not world renowned and Naxos have often helped a lot. I must say that Bernd Glemser has beautifully caught Prokofievs spirit. Hats off to Naxos, who have so often provided material of such a high standard for a reasonable price. To the readers, and Prokofiev admirers: Do not hesitate.

This CD has printed on the front and if you buy it will say Piano Sonatas 2, 7, and 8. However, the real order is 7th, then the 2nd, then the 8th. This is done to break up the 7th and 8th which were written back to back. But the 7th and 8th are different enough even if this was not done.

As someone has already said the Prokofiev 7th Piano Sonata done by Glemser challenges even the very best like Pollini. I am not sure yet. I just got this CD today and am playing it for the second time which is even more impressive than the first. It sounds to me like Glemser's reading is what Prokofiev had in mind! The feel is so natural and flows just the right way. I don't think that the composer himself could of done a better job in conveying the musical ideas as outrageous as that statement sounds.

The Prokofiev 2nd Piano Sonata for a long time has been a favorite although I think that my Richter Live in Vienna album is probably better this version is also very good if slightly different.

The 8th Piano Sonata is grand. It is even grander than the 7th and it is a little bit harder to read. I am satisfied with Glemser's reading although the work is like a towering mountain when gauged as a work for piano. Only Beethoven or Schubert really are on the same level and both of them in the late stages of their lives (Schubert died young). So I find this very acceptable. What surprises me the most is that this is a Naxos issue and I like these readings even more than my set with Barbara Nissman or Boris Berman.

This is truly a special CD. It makes me what to get the other volumes of Prokofiev Piano Sonatas with Glemser at the keyboard. RECOMMENDED.