2023 marks the 150th anniversary of Russian-American composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s birthday. Lauded for his technical virtuosity behind the piano and impactful melodicism within his scores, it’s no secret that Rachmaninoff ranks among many musicians’ highest influences. As such, his works are often showcased with great passion and care by today’s leading classical performers.
This month, Navona Records casts a spotlight on Rachmaninoff with three releases that offer a fresh look at the celebrated composer’s oeuvre. Read on to discover new virtuosic expressions by pianists Ian Gindes, Elena Dorozhkina, and Fanya Lin.
RACHMANINOFF
Ian Gindes
Pianist Ian Gindes presents a captivating elucidation of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s solo piano works on RACHMANINOFF. With meticulous care and interpretive insight, Gindes navigates the rich tapestry of Rachmaninoff’s compositions, peeling back the layers on their emotional depth and their technical intricacies. Gindes finds an astute balance of lyricism and virtuosity, while his intuitive phrasing enhances the inherent narrative of the Preludes and Études-Tableaux.
RUSSIAN PIANO GEMS
Elena Dorozhkina
RUSSIAN PIANO GEMS introduces listeners to the rich tapestry of Russian classical piano music with all the emotional grandeur it entails. Renowned Russian-born, American pianist Elena Dorozhkina brings four of Rachmaninoff’s works to life in this release with unwavering passion and technical virtuosity. Torrential cascades of thunderous chords alternate with lightning-fast runs, breathless silences intermingle with sweet vulnerability, exaltation and loss are but a hair’s breadth apart.
RHAPSODIC
Fanya Lin
Fanya Lin’s RHAPSODIC is a masterful exploration of two of the most iconic pieces in piano repertoire, one of which being Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Variations. Lin’s virtuosity is on full display as she navigates the intricate variations with vigor and precision, effortlessly enticing the listener into their bittersweet, heady romance. With her deft touch and nuanced interpretation, Lin lends an entirely new dimension to this piece.
