Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Nutcracker And Other Works For Piano (valentina Lisitsa)

Wow! This is music making on a cosmic scale. You may hear some jaded critic offer up the following generic comment about this release: "These three players, gathered together for only the second time, naturally can't equal the subtle give and take of more established chamber ensembles." Bull. All three artists rank among the most inspirational and experienced chamber players of our time, and here they set the notes on fire in performances of shattering intensity, improvisational spontaneity, and (in the Tchaikovsky) Herculean grandeur. Argerich's performance of the concerto-like piano part of the Tchaikovsky Trio is especially impressive; she seems to know instinctively when to dominate the proceedings and when to let her partners take over; and the final "Theme and Variations"–a huge movement half an hour in length–seldom has sounded so cohesive and meaningful. As to the Shostakovich, well, what can I say? This is one of the most profoundly moving experiences in music, and how well this trio knows it! The three players find the perfect tempo for the third movement Passacaglia, then build the tragic finale as inexorably as fate itself.

A quick glance at the cover of this recording of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker might cause some to mistake it for the original orchestral music, because the words "arranged for solo piano" are in the smallest print. Stewart Goodyear's piano arrangement of the complete ballet is a fascinating example of the art of transcription, and the pianist deserves credit not only for his ingenious handling of Tchaikovsky's orchestration in terms of the keyboard's sonorities, but also for playing with close attention to details and tone colors that give the music its fantastic character.

The Grigoryan Brothers' album 'The Seasons' comprises twelve movements characterising the twelve months of the year. Originally written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky for solo piano, 'The Seasons' has been arranged for two guitars by Slava and Leonard's father Edward. The transition of a piece from solo piano to guitar duo is rare with Russian piano music and this arrangement is stunning, retaining the full essence of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, while presenting it in a totally different setting and giving it a new voice.

The Grigoryan Brothers' album 'The Seasons' comprises twelve movements characterising the twelve months of the year. Originally written by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky for solo piano, 'The Seasons' has been arranged for two guitars by Slava and Leonard's father Edward. The transition of a piece from solo piano to guitar duo is rare with Russian piano music and this arrangement is stunning, retaining the full essence of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, while presenting it in a totally different setting and giving it a new voice.