Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Chaconne in D minor - Bach
2. Piano Sonata NO. 32, Op. 111 - Beethoven
3. 4 Scherzi, Opp. 20, 31, 39, 54 - Chopin

Disc 2:

1. Etude-tableau, Op. 39 No. 5 - Rachmaninov
2. Poeme, Op. 32, No. 1 - Scriabin
3. Sonata in D minor. K 9 - Scarlatti
4. Etude de virtuosite, Op. 72 No. 6
5. Islamey - Balakirev

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44533 in Music
• Released on: 2001-04-12
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: Box set
• Running time: 102 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Mikhail Pletnev made a belated Carnegie Hall debut as a pianist in November 2000. Listening to the recital on this CD confirms the wisdom of the pianist's decision to resign as music director of the Russian National Orchestra. In the Bach-Busoni "Chaconne", Pletnev's crescendi wash over the listener like tidal waves; the mighty edifice of the music seems to rise mysteriously and inexorably, on its own. The angry surges in the first movement of Beethoven's Sonata op.111 are perhaps overdrawn. But the concluding movement's variations glide by as if in a dream, suggesting the transformation of the earlier movement's passionate anger into a vision of paradise beyond the power of words to describe. In Chopin's Four Scherzos, Pletnev emphasises too many details and inhibits the music's lyrical sweep. But the charm and dazzling pyrotechnics of his encores help make this the first great piano recording of the millennium. After Rachmaninov, Scriabin, Scarlatti and Moszkowski, Pletnev's fifth and final encore was Balakirev's transcendentally difficult Islamey. The superhuman virtuosity, sonorous splendour and technicolour exoticism of this performance will knock your socks off. --Stephen Wigler

Customer Reviews

Mikhail Pletnev LIVE. Who can resist.
Once again Pletnev fails to disapoint in his debut Carnegie Hall recital given on the 1st November 2000. A fantastic offering of baroque, and romantic music including all of Chopin's Scherzi. If thats not got you going then the second disc has 5 encores to delight, including the awsome 'Islamey' by Balakirev. Pletnev's virtuosity and musicality is draw droppingly fantastic.

The moods and tone colours he produces from his model "D" is superb holding his audiences attention throughout this mammoth recital.

What a guy!

If your at all interested in the piano then you MUST have this CD. I promise you will not be disapointed. E-mail me your thoughts.

DYNAMIC DEBUT
Pletnev's clear vision and brilliantly dovetailed recital programme takes the listener on a fascinating journey from Bach to Balakirev. Pletnev excels as a narrative pianist, and even if you don't agree with his interpretation, you have to accept the intellectual validity of his view.

Pletnev sets the tone with the imposing Bach/Busoni Chaconne in D minor, before moving into the heart of his recital, the Beethoven Sonata no.32, Opus 111, where his playing in the 2nd movement is perfectly judged and so exquisite you find yourself holding your breath. This is followed by a magical reassessment of the Chopin Scherzi, 4 delightful stories played with breathtaking virtuosity and playfulness, as Chopin intended.

The 2nd cd covers 5 contrasting encores. Pletnev thrills us with some stunning Rachmaninov, ethereal Scriabin and scintillating Scarlatti before a rare gem - a dizzying Moszkowski Etude in which the technical perfection of his playing, so fast and with such dynamic control, is astounding. He finishes with a jazzy Islamey - the sheer audacity of playing this, one of the most difficult piano pieces written, as a 5th encore, is mind blowing.

This cd showcases a brilliant pianist at the top of his game. It is a real treat to hear the piano played with such a masterful combination of control and passion. I unhesitatingly recommend it.

Entertaining
I favour Kissin in the Bach-Busoni Chaconne, as Pletnev gives himself too much musical license, going so far as changing various chords and adding his own notes. However, I can not deny that he holds one's attention, and such a performance heard 'live' would have been most entertaining. To repeated listening on record though, it is no match for Kissin.

On to the Scherzos. Like the Bach-Busoni, these performances must have had the audience on the edge of their seats. But once again, they are not suitable for repeated listenings. You hear a new voice being brought out the first time and you think 'Mmmm..that's nice', but the next time it loses its effect as it's no longer a surprise and would be better to hear it the 'normal' way. If you like these interpretations, then you may enjoy Pogorelich's recording of these pieces.

The encores are well played, with the ending of the Moszkowski etude most humourous and charming.

Oh, and another thing that struck me was the amount of noise Pletnev himself made during these performances - a sort of contained hum, which some may find off-putting.

If you like your Beer Cold, your Women Exciting, and your Music played by Pletnev, then this won't disappoint.