Customer Reviews

Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas 4 & 6; Ten Pieces from Romeo and Juliet

5 star:		(3)
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Nikolai Lugansky is one terrific keyboard sensation. He plays Prokofiev's unforgivingly difficult piano scores as though they were simplicity itself. Lugansky is in control of the entire keyboard, keeping the far reaches of bass and treble pulsating with energy while he finds the poetry in the inner keys. The effect of his mastery of this literature is astonishing.

In both of Prokofiev's Sonatas 4 and 6 Lugansky reveals a velocity and accuracy of attack that is ferocious while still able to be light and playful. His dynamic range is expansive (and the recorded sound is very helpful in displaying this!) and his pianistic technique is at al times matched by his interpretative insight. He finds Prokofiev's melodies in every phrase, melodies usually hidden by other less facile pianists' hands.

The additional bonus of episodes from Prokofiev's score for the ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' further substantiates Lugansky's credentials as a peppery, wizardly, yet gently poetic artist. One doesn't miss the orchestral original in Lugansky's hands. This is a very special recording by a fine pianist becoming better known on the stage today. Especially after this recording! Highly recommended. Grady Harp, September 05

First of all, this is a very well recorded cd. The piano sound is incredible detailed and rich. Secondly, the performance is excellent, richly emotional befitting the music's underlying theme.

What got me to buy was hearing Montagues and Capulets on xmradio one day. That song in particular sounds great on piano.

These recordings were revelatory for me. I found the 4th piano sonata to be particularly stunning, exquisite. Dan Davis and Grady Harp are right on. Previously, Sonata 6 was never one of my favorites. This recording changed that. Lugansky's effortless virtuosity goes right to the heart of this amazing music. But his astonishing technique serves this music honestly without overtly drawing attention to itself. This pianist definitely has something important and original to say. I look forward to a Lugansky Prokofiev concerto cycle. As I submit this, the Amazon.us site states that this cd is "currently unavailable". Fortunately this disc is available from Amazon vendors at very reasonable prices.