Now Playing: Warner Classics
Topic: Nikolai Lugansky
Warner Classics, 2564 60613-2, UK
Program:
S. Rachmaninov: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini*
Variations on a Theme of Corelli
Variations on a Theme of Chopin
Nikolai Lugansky, piano
*City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
*Sakari Oramo, conductor
*Recorded: 15-16 August 2003
Solo works recorded: 28-30 June 2004
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Anthony Tommasini wrote, in The New York Times (31 Oct. 2004):
"The Rachmaninoff recording offers a scintillating account of the
popular "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini," with the City of
Birmingham Symphony Orchestra sounding crisp and energetic under the
Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo. Despite taking daringly swift tempos
in the faster variations, he plays with consistent clarity and
telling detail. ... Mr. Lugansky's spacious playing is
straightforwardly expressive: a refreshing change from pianists who
can't help milking this music for every drop of sentiment.
"There are also incisive and thoughtful accounts of two demanding
solo works, Variations on a Theme of Corelli and Variations on a
Theme of Chopin, in performances that make a strong case for the
musical integrity and contrapuntal ingenuity of these seldom-heard
scores."
Updated: Monday, 13 June 2005 2:45 PM EDT
