[ Harmonia Mundi Gold / CD ]
Release Date: Friday 17 June 2016
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Alternating the roles of soloist and accompanist, Alexander Melnikov has brought together here two works emblematic of Rachmaninoff at his creative peak - before it was brutally interrupted by the sound and the fury of 1917: the famous Études-tableaux op.39 and Six Poems op.38 were followed by a very long silence. In 1931, it was a man broken by destiny who produced the Variations on a Theme by Corelli, a bitter work that yearns for a past gone forever.
"Melnikov shows unerring judgement in programming and execution. Melnikov's partnership with soprano Elena Brilova in the near-contemporary songs written for the dazzling Nina Koshetz… surely touch new heights in the art of the recital duo. …this opulently recorded Rachmaninov disc is essential." BBC Music Magazine, August 2008 *****
"This stunning disc is finely recorded and makes you look forward to a further balance of songs and piano music from both these remarkable artists." Gramophone Magazine, April 2008
Neuf Etudes-tableaux op.39
Six Poèmes op.38
Variations sur un thème de Corelli op.42