Whatever one's view of Russians —
positive, or negative — they obviously produce streams of truly
excellent composers, violinists, and pianists. The latest Russian pianist to
grace my CD player is Arseny Tarasevich-Nikolaev, who turns
out to be the grandson of the late Tatiana Nikolaeva. He plays an
all-Russan programme of Rachmaninov, Prokofiev, Scriabin, Medtner,
Tchaikovsky; and two concert études composed by his grandmother. A
nice touch.
There is some breathtaking pianism on
this CD. Rachmaninov's familiar moments musicaux reveal Arseny
to be a highly sensitive pianist, with lashings of Russian “dreamy”
interpretations. Some slow pieces are too slow? Maybe, but he has the
technique and the concentration to bring them off. This is a CD I'll
keep close to hand. Highly recommended to lovers of great pianism and
Russian music.
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