I can't count the number of times I mentioned this greatest of all contemporary pianists without getting any reaction from GMG members. Now, it's the New York Times turn to draw attention to the artist:
http://www.nytimes.com:80/2008/04/17/arts/music/17grig.html?ex=1209096000&en=0dc89bb1f480759e&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Sidoze talks about him all the time.
Here? At GMG? I remember some time ago, maybe even more than a year. maybe I am not reading the right postings here.
But thanks for pointing it out, I shall try to remedy any oversight! :)
"Neither do discs, which, as a perfectionist, he stopped issuing in 1995 (this partly explains his American situation), although years ago Mr. Sokolov's recordings sent me hunting for a chance to hear him in person. On one of those discs he played Chopin's 24 Preludes with great sensitivity. He played them again the other night. It was, like all concerts likely to stay in the mind forever, nothing that could ever be captured digitally."
I'm just sorry he feels this way about recordings, which don't have to be highly manipulated, "planned" studio affairs--live recordings can be terrific. And further, recordings can give listeners who can't attend the actual concerts much of the sense of actually being there, although obviously it is not the same experience. (I would change the final phrase above to "...nothing that could ever be completely captured digitally," which of course is true.)
Anyway, in this day of easy, inexpensive and powerful public relations tools, it seems a bit anachronistic not to take advantage of all the media available to promote yourself as an artist. Just my two cents...
In any case, the bottom line: I'd really like to hear him live sometime.
--Bruce
Quote from: uffeviking on April 17, 2008, 07:12:30 AM
Here? At GMG? I remember some time ago, maybe even more than a year. maybe I am not reading the right postings here.
Well, yeah... :-\
Quote from: bhodges on April 17, 2008, 07:12:46 AM
"On one of those discs he played Chopin's 24 Preludes with great sensitivity. He played them again the other night. It was, like all concerts likely to stay in the mind forever, nothing that could ever be captured digitally."
I always think that's a load of crap. You can catch sound just fine digitally. The live concerts I went to sounded worse than recordings I have.
That's right. I'm just skeptical of artists these days who "don't make recordings," since now it is possible to make excellent ones easily and inexpensively. It just seems like a shame if a great artist (and I'm assuming Sokolov is one) doesn't want to be documented.
--Bruce
Quote from: bhodges on April 17, 2008, 07:20:10 AM
That's right. I'm just skeptical of artists these days who "don't make recordings," since now it is possible to make excellent ones easily and inexpensively. It just seems like a shame if a great artist (and I'm assuming Sokolov is one) doesn't want to be documented.
--Bruce
Oh yeah, he's great. I have lots of his stuff on CD. You should check 'em out, Bruce.
Tony (Sidoze) sent me a whole bunch of CDs containing live Sokolov recordings a couple of years back, and I have to say they are pretty astonishing stuff - sensitive and sensuous, wonderfully imaginative and thoughtful playing, but with a huge physical command that enables him to turn the stiffest of challenges into much more than just pyrotechnical prestidigitation. A more musical Three movements from Petrouchka would be heard to find, for example. Other than the discs Tony sent I only have his commercially released Brahms 3rd/Ballades disc - the same qualities are abundant there too.
There's quite a bit of him on Youtube, including a section of the aformentioned Stravinsky piece (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q6fkje4eqo&feature=related)
I have a Sokolov recording of Schubert Sonatas D. 894 and D. 960. The D.894 is excellent, but the D. 960 is disappointing. The sonics aren't terrific and Sokolov didn't deliver a stellar performance either.
Quote from: Bunny on April 17, 2008, 07:30:40 AM
I have a Sokolov recording of Schubert Sonatas D. 864 and D. 960. The D.864 is excellent, but the D. 960 is disappointing. The sonics aren't terrific and Sokolov didn't deliver a stellar performance either.
What's your favorite D 960?
Stravinsky - Three movements from Petrushka
Grigory Sokolov, live 1991 Tokyo
http://www.mediafire.com/?6mtnjegnj1p
Uploaded this few months ago for a friend, can't recall the bitrate I used, by the size of the file probably 192kbps.
Of course there is this phenomenal DVD:
Quote from: MN Dave on April 17, 2008, 07:34:39 AM
What's your favorite D 960?
I have a few favorite recordings of that, Andsnes, Richter, Staier are the first three that pop into mind. Fleisher and Kempff also.
Quote from: uffeviking on April 17, 2008, 07:48:25 AM
Of course there is this phenomenal DVD:
Looks like that is a "must," Lis--thanks.
--Bruce
He played here, in Athens, two weeks ago. And I missed him because of a stupid mix-up with the dates! >:(
I can't describe how that riled me. We get Grigory Sokolov, playing Chopin's Preludes, and I mix up the [censored] dates. ::)
Quote from: Bunny on April 17, 2008, 07:30:40 AM
I have a Sokolov recording of Schubert Sonatas D. 894 and D. 960. The D.894 is excellent, but the D. 960 is disappointing. The sonics aren't terrific and Sokolov didn't deliver a stellar performance either.
I have it, too. No complaints.
Quote from: Renfield on April 17, 2008, 08:38:25 AM
I can't describe how that riled me. We get Grigory Sokolov, playing Chopin's Preludes, and I mix up the [censored] dates. ::)
Don't jump off the Acropolis, Renfield! I am sure there will be another appearance by this great pianist in the near future, since he prefers the European audience to the US! 8)
Quote from: uffeviking on April 17, 2008, 09:23:34 AM
Don't jump off the Acropolis, Renfield! I am sure there will be another appearance by this great pianist in the near future, since he prefers the European audience to the US! 8)
Has he been quoted as such? It has more to do with logistics, does it not?
I have just recently started to collect Sokolov recordings when I realised just how good a pianist this man is. It started by accident when I saw this in a local record shop for only $35
(http://cover6.cduniverse.com/MuzeAudioArt/Large/62/505362.jpg)
It contained the Chopin Op 25 that a lot of people had raved about so I got it not expecting how good some of the other works in this set would be. I really now need to seek out the other 5CD set in this series which also contains the Chopin Preludes mentioned before. I also have a Hammerklavier from him that has the most wonderful adagio - as good if not better than Solomon's. There is also a Chopin recital that just blew me away (from Amsterdam in 2005). So finally I bit the bullet and bought this
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/73/9d/6423225b9da04aa41f05b010._AA210_.L.jpg)
There is a website with a discography on it that mentions recordings that don't seem to be available anywhere
http://www.internazionale.it/pagine/blognote/sokolov.htm
I'm very interested in his Beethoven. The four sonata recordings of his that I've heard (9, 10, 15 and 29) have all been excellent. If you get a chance to listen to some Sokolov you might find it very rewarding.
QuoteI really now need to seek out the other 5CD set in this series which also contains the Chopin Preludes mentioned before.
Yes, you do. $:)
Quote from: Renfield on April 17, 2008, 08:38:25 AM
He played here, in Athens, two weeks ago. And I missed him because of a stupid mix-up with the dates! >:(
I can't describe how that riled me. We get Grigory Sokolov, playing Chopin's Preludes, and I mix up the [censored] dates. ::)
Oh, I feel your pain.
He was scheduled to play in Glasgow in May, but has cancelled all his UK concerts because they wouldn't let him in without a biometric passport. I think it was the same programme as yours - the Preludes and some Mozart. I bought my tickets months ago and they were great seats too :'(.
Quote from: Holden on April 17, 2008, 01:48:39 PM
It contained the Chopin Op 25 that a lot of people had raved about so I got it not expecting how good some of the other works in this set would be. I really now need to seek out the other 5CD set in this series which also contains the Chopin Preludes mentioned before. I also have a Hammerklavier from him that has the most wonderful adagio - as good if not better than Solomon's.
The Brahms in that other box is good too, particularly the Sonata op.5.
Quote from: MN Dave on April 17, 2008, 02:10:53 PM
Yes, you do. $:)
Just ordered it via Amazon Classical plus the Arrau Diabelli Variations. Rob - does this count for the site?
Quote from: Holden on April 17, 2008, 05:59:46 PM
Just ordered it via Amazon Classical plus the Arrau Diabelli Variations. Rob - does this count for the site?
If you use the link at the top, yes it does. :)
I heard him give a performance of the rach 3 at the 1995 proms which made my jaw drop. :o
An early (and absolutely wonderful) video recording of Sokolov playing the Rachmaninoff PC 3 has been uploaded to Youtube. This is the first part (of 5)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwp_pP09WPk
QuoteI heard him give a performance of the rach 3 at the 1995 proms which made my jaw drop.
There is a performance in Stockholm, from 1 or 2 or 3 years later, which is even better than the Proms performance (and the piano doesn't go horribly out of tune either)
Quote from: uffeviking on April 17, 2008, 06:57:28 AM
I can't count the number of times I mentioned this greatest of all contemporary pianists without getting any reaction from GMG members. Now, it's the New York Times turn to draw attention to the artist:
http://www.nytimes.com:80/2008/04/17/arts/music/17grig.html?ex=1209096000&en=0dc89bb1f480759e&ei=5070&emc=eta1
Sidoze does discuss him often (in fact, it's thanks to him that I've been sure to see Sokolov when he's been in my area). But when I mentioned that I'd seen Sokolov earlier this year at the BASF Feierabendhaus in Ludwigshafen (Mozart sonatas and Chopin Preludes) there was silence all around...even from Sidoze. Strange.
Sarge
Quote from: Sergeant Rock on May 04, 2008, 03:24:28 PM
Sidoze does discuss him often (in fact, it's thanks to him that I've been sure to see Sokolov when he's been in my area). But when I mentioned that I'd seen Sokolov earlier this year at the BASF Feierabendhaus in Ludwigshafen (Mozart sonatas and Chopin Preludes) there was silence all around...even from Sidoze. Strange.
Sarge
I think it's already been mentioned, though if not, Sokolov has cancelled his UK concerts this year -- visa problems, apparently not willing to be fingerprinted as it would disrupt his routine and schedule. Totally understandable of course. I thought about going to see him play in Venice the week after next but recently came back from there so should really wait tiill next year (the hall looks amazing). There are some bootleg recordings of his Mozart/Chopin recitals going around though it's just not the same as sitting there and experiencing the sheer pressure of the atmosphere.
Here's a link to a few reviews of Sokolov's recent concerts (http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/gsokolov/message/751)
we'll be at a recital come April, but unfortunately it's not the Mozart / Chopin Op 28 programme. Apparently he's playing Beethoven / Schubert by that time.
Quote from: Herman on February 11, 2009, 02:57:38 AM
we'll be at a recital come April, but unfortunately it's not the Mozart / Chopin Op 28 programme. Apparently he's playing Beethoven / Schubert by that time.
Yes, the reviews that i posted refer to those composers. Have a great time!
Program L. van BEETHOVEN
Sonata n. 2 in A major op. 2 n. 2 (1795)
Sonata n. 13 "Sonata quasi una fantasia"
in E flat major op. 27 n. 1 (1800/01)
***
F. SCHUBERT
Sonata in D major op. 53 D 850 (1825)
Quote from: ezodisy on February 11, 2009, 03:04:51 AM
Program L. van BEETHOVEN
Sonata n. 2 in A major op. 2 n. 2 (1795)
Sonata n. 13 "Sonata quasi una fantasia"
in E flat major op. 27 n. 1 (1800/01)
***
F. SCHUBERT
Sonata in D major op. 53 D 850 (1825)
Let's hope he records the Beethoven.
Quote from: Holden on February 11, 2009, 10:53:00 AM
Let's hope he records the Beethoven.
Ric,
Let's be realistic. The guy's OLD. I mean, he's exactly MY age, fer cryin' out loud. Let's hope he records EVERYTHING while he still has the memory and the chops!
;D
Dirk
Sokolov + LvB Op. 120 = :)
Quote from: dirkronk on February 11, 2009, 11:17:06 AM
Ric,
Let's be realistic. The guy's OLD.
and his hairdo is even older.
maybe bangbang could lend him some gel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiR8ymd0Wvw
Quote from: George on February 11, 2009, 11:17:24 AM
+ 1
George, How is this recording? I asked you a while back about it. Is it worth having?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Vev%2B%2BAUGL._SS400_.jpg)
Quote from: Coopmv on February 11, 2009, 04:44:56 PM
George, How is this recording? I asked you a while back about it. Is it worth having?
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Vev%2B%2BAUGL._SS400_.jpg)
Yes, I think so. The Etudes alone make it worth it. Others can say more about these performances than me, as I have only heard the set once.
The Preludes are very interesting and I really like the Sonata. The jewel in the crown is the Op 25 Etudes which i rate as number one alongside the Ginzburg version. You won't regret getting this.
Has Grigory Sokolov recorded WTC?
Quote from: Holden on February 11, 2009, 05:37:20 PM
The Preludes are very interesting and I really like the Sonata. The jewel in the crown is the Op 25 Etudes which i rate as number one alongside the Ginzburg version. You won't regret getting this.
As a JS Bach fanatic, I tend to judge most piano virtuosi by how they perform Bach keyboard works if they do at all. Sviatoslav Richter is real special in this respect. I also enjoyed the Art of Fugue by Tatiana Nikolayeva on Hyperion, a recently acquired CD.
Quote from: Coopmv on February 11, 2009, 05:50:00 PM
As a JS Bach fanatic, I tend to judge most piano virtuosi by how they perform Bach keyboard works if they do at all. Sviatoslav Richter is real special in this respect. I also enjoyed the Art of Fugue by Tatiana Nikolayeva on Hyperion, a recently acquired CD.
Sokolov has recorded Art of Fugue :). If you're getting his Chopin, you may wish to consider this boxset (http://www.amazon.com/Grigory-Sokolov-Beethoven-Chopin-Brahms/dp/B000ALCFZ2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1234409893&sr=8-1) and this other boxset (http://www.amazon.com/Grigory-Sokolov-Box-Set/dp/B0000CE7E6/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1234409975&sr=8-15) as well.
As for his Chopin, I like it well enough, although I find it a little heavy at times. But I love his Diabelli and his Russians 8).
There's a fair bit of his Bach on youtube if you wish to sample. I see that someone has posted his Goldbergs recently - I haven't listened to these yet, but there are some bits and pieces of partitas and so forth that are phenomenal (IMHO).
Quote from: Novi on February 11, 2009, 06:49:57 PM
Sokolov has recorded Art of Fugue :). If you're getting his Chopin, you may wish to consider this boxset (http://www.amazon.com/Grigory-Sokolov-Beethoven-Chopin-Brahms/dp/B000ALCFZ2/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1234409893&sr=8-1) and this other boxset (http://www.amazon.com/Grigory-Sokolov-Box-Set/dp/B0000CE7E6/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1234409975&sr=8-15) as well.
As for his Chopin, I like it well enough, although I find it a little heavy at times. But I love his Diabelli and his Russians 8).
There's a fair bit of his Bach on youtube if you wish to sample. I see that someone has posted his Goldbergs recently - I haven't listened to these yet, but there are some bits and pieces of partitas and so forth that are phenomenal (IMHO).
The first set looks very interesting. I bought the Goldberg Variations by Tatiana Nikolayeva recently and the performance was excellent.
Quote from: Coopmv on February 11, 2009, 05:39:21 PM
Has Grigory Sokolov recorded WTC?
No, but there are scattered bootlegs around which form an almost complete set.
Quote from: Holden on February 11, 2009, 05:37:20 PM
The Preludes are very interesting and I really like the Sonata. The jewel in the crown is the Op 25 Etudes [...]. You won't regret getting this.
Heartily seconded, and I love his Art of the Fugue as well,
Coopmv. :)
Free download of a live broadcast of the Beethoven PC 1 by Sokolov with Pinnock. This was broadcasted by The Bavarian Radio (Bayern 4 Klassik).
It was uploaded by another fan of the pianist and link will not last long. (a day or two)
Enjoy!
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJ3J3SP0
Quote from: Novi on February 11, 2009, 06:49:57 PM
Sokolov has recorded Art of Fugue :).
Sokolov´s Art of Fugue is marred by an unashamed romantic approach alien to Bach IMO. I might well imagine, that this also is true of Nicolayeva´s AoF (which I have not heard). But each to his own.
Quote from: George on March 22, 2009, 04:20:33 AM
Free download of a live broadcast of the Beethoven PC 1 by Sokolov with Pinnock. This was broadcasted by The Bavarian Radio (Bayern 4 Klassik).
It was uploaded by another fan of the pianist and link will not last long. (a day or two)
Enjoy!
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CJ3J3SP0
George, What kind of website is that?
Quote from: premont on March 22, 2009, 04:44:53 AM
Sokolov´s Art of Fugue is marred by an unashamed romantic approach alien to Bach IMO. I might well imagine, that this also is true of Nicolayeva´s AoF (which I have not heard). But each to his own.
Overly romantic approach to any of Bach's compositions may sound sweet to the ears but is clearly not HIP ...
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 04:56:56 AM
George, What kind of website is that?
It's a filesharing one, basically storage space for downloads, just like mediafire/rapidshare, etc.
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 04:59:27 AM
Overly romantic approach to any of Bach's compositions may sound sweet to the ears but is clearly not HIP ...
Well, I am not going to say, that HIP is the full truth, but romanticism is surely false. :)
Quote from: premont on March 22, 2009, 05:16:14 AM
Well, I am not going to say, that HIP is the full truth, but romanticism is surely false. :)
People should seek romanticism in works of Tchaikovsky, Ramaninoff and Wagner, but not in works of JS Bach.
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 05:23:01 AM
People should seek romanticism in works of Tchaikovsky, Ramaninoff and Wagner, but not in works of JS Bach.
I don't think people
should seek anything! ;)
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 05:23:01 AM
People should seek romanticism in works of Tchaikovsky, Ramaninoff and Wagner, but not in works of JS Bach.
Unfortunately people can do what they want, but again: Each to his own.
Quote from: Renfield on March 22, 2009, 05:24:35 AM
I don't think people should seek anything! ;)
And they should not be carpet-bombed with anachronistic romanticism in Bach´s music.
But they do, because they ask for it themselves.
Quote from: Coopmv on February 11, 2009, 04:44:56 PM
George, Is this recording included in the following set? I expect to get the set shortly.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Vev%2B%2BAUGL._SS400_.jpg)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZQMFA2MSL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: premont on March 22, 2009, 05:25:58 AM
Unfortunately people can do what they want, but again: Each to his own.
unfortunately?
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 05:31:28 AM
George, Is this recording included in the following set? I expect to get the set shortly.
I am not sure, but I know there are others here who know.
Quote from: George on March 22, 2009, 06:03:32 AM
I am not sure, but I know there are others here who know.
Not all of it. One disc is from that box set, the second from the other, also on
Naïve:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FGQBQPXDL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Both are highly recommended, BTW.
Quote from: premont on March 22, 2009, 05:43:11 AM
fortunately??
I should think so, otherwise, if people couldn't do what they wanted, as you seem to wish for, then your collection of about 400 Beethoven piano sets would probably result in a jail sentence for gross misconduct.
Quote from: ezodisy on March 22, 2009, 08:52:05 AM
if people couldn't do what they wanted [...] then your collection of about 400 Beethoven piano sets would probably result in a jail sentence for gross misconduct.
:D
Quote from: ezodisy on March 22, 2009, 08:52:05 AM
...would probably result in a jail sentence for gross misconduct.
...or worse.
Quote from: ezodisy on March 22, 2009, 08:52:05 AM
I should think so, otherwise, if people couldn't do what they wanted, as you seem to wish for, then your collection of about 400 Beethoven piano sets would probably result in a jail sentence for gross misconduct.
Off topic I think, but some restrictions of our personal freedom are necessary to ensure the healthy function of a modern community,
no matter our political conviction.
Quote from: Renfield on March 22, 2009, 07:07:33 AM
Not all of it. One disc is from that box set, the second from the other, also on Naïve:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FGQBQPXDL._SL500_AA240_.jpg)
Both are highly recommended, BTW.
Are there any overlaps between the two box sets?
Quote from: Coopmv on March 22, 2009, 12:03:20 PM
Are there any overlaps between the two box sets?
No, I have both sets and most of what is on them is highly recommendable, including all of the Chopin, though some may find the Preludes a bit quirky. I didn't really warm to the Art of Fugue and I've heard better Schubert.
Is there a recording of Sokolov playing Schubert's A minor sonata D 784/Op. 143? I found a reference to it in an old rmcr post but I can't find it.
And if so, could someone show me how to get it -- or upload it for me?
Sokolov is one of my favourite pianists and this is my favourite Schubert sonata -- so I kind of want to hear it!
Quote from: Mandryka on August 24, 2009, 10:15:08 AM
Is there a recording of Sokolov playing Schubert's A minor sonata D 784/Op. 143? I found a reference to it in an old rmcr post but I can't find it.
And if so, could someone show me how to get it -- or upload it for me?
Sokolov is one of my favourite pianists and this is my favourite Schubert sonata -- so I kind of want to hear it!
I might have it. I'll check when I get home. If I forget, just PM me.
Quote from: Mandryka on August 24, 2009, 10:15:08 AM
Is there a recording of Sokolov playing Schubert's A minor sonata D 784/Op. 143? I found a reference to it in an old rmcr post but I can't find it.
And if so, could someone show me how to get it -- or upload it for me?
Sokolov is one of my favourite pianists and this is my favourite Schubert sonata -- so I kind of want to hear it!
This site suggests that it never made it past the LP.
http://www.internazionale.it/pagine/blognote/sokolov.htm
Quote from: George on August 24, 2009, 10:16:47 AM
I might have it. I'll check when I get home. If I forget, just PM me.
I just checked, I don't have it. Sorry Mandryka. :-\
http://hi-copy.livejournal.com/tag/sokolov
This is a good website for people interested in Sokolov recordings.
Quote from: Mandryka on March 31, 2010, 10:53:35 PM
http://hi-copy.livejournal.com/tag/sokolov
This is a good website for people interested in Sokolov recordings.
How the hell do you navigate that site? Its full of evil commie signs.
I don't know about greatest really. He's good, but i have yet to find a recording of him which i might consider "definitive", which seems to be a pre-requisite if you want to call this guy the absolute greatest. Any suggestions?
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on April 01, 2010, 06:02:06 PM
How the hell do you navigate that site? Its full of evil commie signs.
Click on the link. You will get to the народ website,
Type in the CAPTCHA code and pres the green rectangular download button which says Скачать. Don't try to press return instead -- it won't work.
When you get the next screen there's is a checked tick box next to a picture of a glass of champagne.
Uncheck it-- it will make some russian download manager your default home page!
You then click on the obvious link and it will download safely in the ususal way
Once you know what to do it is very easy and reliable.
The quality of the recordings, sonically, is often excellent.
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on April 01, 2010, 06:02:06 PM
I don't know about greatest really. He's good, but i have yet to find a recording of him which i might consider "definitive", which seems to be a pre-requisite if you want to call this guy the absolute greatest. Any suggestions?
At his best, he is free and poetic and hallucinatorty. And at the same time, everything is perfectly controled and thought through -- with superhuman mastery of tone and rhythm. Simultaneous madness and control.
Some of the recordings which convinced me of his very high stature amongst pianists are the Diabelli Variations an old LP including the Schumann Fantasie.
From that Russian website I have learned to value more --for example, from his Beethoven the Op. 111 recordings are outstanding I think. And the Op. 22 --much better in this minor sonata than Kempff I think (and this was one of Kempff's signature pieces.)
And D959 and the Chopin sonata and Etudes aren't bad either.
It certaily would be interesting to see what the early (earlier) music experts here think about his Rameau, Byrd, Bach.
Quote from: Mandryka on April 01, 2010, 11:00:34 PM
It certaily would be interesting to see what the early (earlier) music experts here think about his Rameau, Byrd, Bach.
I'm certainly not an expert, but what I heard of his Bach I thought excellent and his Rameau is simply the best there is on piano, nobody is even close, not even Meyer. Hear for yourself:
http://www.youtube.com/v/_HZl0qHUbJc
http://www.youtube.com/v/837kZoZdFp0
Unfortunately he played only one suite (G major) from Nouvelles suites de pieces de clavecin. His Couperin is ok but Couperin on piano doesn't work for me whomever is playing. I do have some of his Froberger and Byrd but haven't listened extensively to it yet.
Sokolov is an intense performer based on what I've heard. Exciting stuff.
Quote from: Drasko on April 02, 2010, 10:19:25 AM
Rameau is simply the best there is on piano, nobody is even close, not even Meyer.
The Rameau on that Russian site had me strapped to the seat -- something Tharaud never achieved (I need to hear MM again.)
If you haven't downloaded it you need to do so fast! If you have difficulties let me know and I'll put it up on mediafire or rapidshare.
He plays the G major/G minor suite from the Nouvelle Suites, complete.
Tried some of his recordings. So far i don't like him a whole lot. I will continue to explore.
Quote from: Drasko on April 02, 2010, 10:19:25 AM
http://www.youtube.com/v/_HZl0qHUbJc
Too damn fast. Its like somebody resuscitated Glenn Gould. This is how you play this piece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzf2G09i8IM
New release - I am not sure where you can buy it though
TITLE: Russian Performing Art Vol.16
COUNTRY / YEAR: Russia, 2010
LABEL / CAT.No.: Bomba Music, BoMB 033-660DVD
COVER / RECORD: BRAND NEW, FACTORY SEALED
TRACKS: Grigory Sokolov piano
Rachmaninov
Concerto No.3 for Piano and Orchestra in D minor, op.30
Moscow Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Dmitry Kitaenko conductor
Recorded in 1978
Nikolai Petrov piano
Ravel
Grand and sentimental Valses, op.11
Recorded in 1989
Liszt
Six Grand Etudes after Paganini (1838)
Recorded in 1983
Stanislav Bunin piano
Chopin
Sonata No.3 in B minor, op.58
Recorded in 1986
DETAILS: DVD , PAL 4:3 ALL, Dolby Digital 2.0 Dts.2.0, Color, in Russian, 82 min
Quote from: Drasko on April 02, 2010, 10:19:25 AM
I'm certainly not an expert, but what I heard of his Bach I thought excellent and his Rameau is simply the best there is on piano, nobody is even close, not even Meyer. Hear for yourself:
Very nice indeed. I'm impressed.
Video of Sokolov playing Rameau Suite in G appeared on youtube recently, most likely from 1998.
La Poule (separately)
http://www.youtube.com/v/xcXY7dyK7eQ
And the whole Suite in three parts (slightly lower a/v quality)
http://www.youtube.com/v/A8qR5GYK7wI
les tricotets-l'indiffrente-menuet I&II-la poule
http://www.youtube.com/v/MlTbi7yQw9k
les triolets-les sauvages-l'enharmonique
http://www.youtube.com/v/L9AC1A7c-e8
l'egyptienne
His Mobile Fidelity (I presume--there's no photo) "Hammerklavier" is available from a seller on Amazon for a mere $199! :o
http://www.amazon.com/Hammerklavier-Sonata-Op-106-Beethoven/dp/B00000DWQX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1300050422&sr=8-1
This link should take you to a recital he gave in Heidelberg last year with some Brahms, Bach and Schumann
http://megaupload.com/?d=0UYZ50HG
It's the Schumann -- Op 22 -- which has completely bowled me over. I thought I didn't like this music! This is a major achievement: he's made Op 22 sound like one of the most exciting, coherent, meaningful, poetic works for the piano.
in case of interest - release next week
[asin]B005OZDXR8[/asin]
10 CD-set....although it seems not to have all the works of the 2 previous 5-CD sets.
Here is interesting upcoming release. First time Sokolov on Melodiya CD. They have released back in the day certain amount of his 60-70-80s recordings on LPs, but this is their first official transfer to CD. Makes me curious if it is one off or more will follow, did he agree or they are doing it on the sly? If there'll be more Melodiya released on LP about half a dozen Beethoven sonatas (10/3, 90, 106, 110, 111), some Schumann (Carnaval, Fantasy, Sonata No.2), bit of Brahms (op.79 and 117) and Schubert (D784), Stravinsky's Three Movements from Petrushka and couple concertos (Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens 2). Hopefully they wouldn't go for the stuff that is already available on Naive (they have previously released some of that on LPs as well). Let's wait and see.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51zFo2GPQUL.jpg)
http://www.amazon.de/Goldberg-Variations-Grigory-Sokolv/dp/B009LRJ9EQ
Live Goldbergs from 1982 (preview here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20zxpGFCQv0)), fillers are English Suite No.2 and Partita No.2 (the same Partita as on Naive, I think)
Somehow I'd missed this recital from St Petersburg in 2009, with Schubert D850 and Beethoven op2/2. I think it's very special -- I have to say that I think we're seeing a great pianist at the height of his powers with Sokolov at the moment, I'll certainly be going out of my way to hear him when he's next in France or the UK.
http://intoclassics.net/news/2011-04-27-5505
The schubert is a favourite piece of mine, I've collected recordings of it for years. Richter made a lot of sense out of the central variations in a Prague recital, but I don't recall hearing anyone find so much meaning in the outer movements before this Sokolov recital. The Beethoven is similarly imaginative.
Quote from: Papy Oli on November 14, 2011, 12:07:25 PM
in case of interest - release next week
[asin]B005OZDXR8[/asin]
10 CD-set....although it seems not to have all the works of the 2 previous 5-CD sets.
what's missing?
Quote from: George on August 13, 2013, 03:11:29 PM
what's missing?
To the best of my knowledge, nothing: it's the original issues (in jewel cases)--three double CDs and four single CDs with a big slip case around them. (I have it.)
Great news, guys!!
http://www.youtube.com/v/ok_JJ1__8ls
Rameau - Les cyclopes
from Berlin Philharmonie June 5, 2013 (Schubert D899, D946, Beethoven Hammerklavier, Rameau)
http://www.medici.tv/#!/grigory-sokolov-schubert-beethoven-berliner-philharmonie
The recital was filmed by Bruno Monsaingeon, who seems to have announced making some sort of documentary on Sokolov, something like Richter, The Enigma, maybe.
Let's hope the recital on its own makes it to DVD, like Sokolov in Paris ten years ago.
Quote from: Drasko on September 08, 2014, 04:33:28 AM
http://www.youtube.com/v/ok_JJ1__8ls
Rameau - Les cyclopes
from Berlin Philharmonie June 5, 2013 (Schubert D899, D946, Beethoven Hammerklavier, Rameau)
http://www.medici.tv/#!/grigory-sokolov-schubert-beethoven-berliner-philharmonie
The recital was filmed by Bruno Monsaingeon, who seems to have announced making some sort of documentary on Sokolov, something like Richter, The Enigma, maybe.
Let's hope the recital on its own makes it to DVD, like Sokolov in Paris ten years ago.
I'd be interested to know what you make of the Hammerklavier in the first movement. I saw him play this programme in Lyon and at the time I was convinced despite the slow tempo.
Quote from: Mandryka on September 08, 2014, 07:10:01 AM
I'd be interested to know what you make of the Hammerklavier in the first movement. I saw him play this programme in Lyon and at the time I was convinced despite the slow tempo.
Hammerklavier is bit of a blind spot for me, have no opinion on Sokolov, or anyone else playing it.
I have a Sokolov Hammerklavier recording from 1993 which I rate as one of my top 3 recordings of this work. It'll be interesting to see what he's changed in 20 years.
Saw this old geezer yesterday at the Firkušný festival in Prague.
The program consisted of Schubert's Piano Sonata in A minor Op. 143 D 784, 6 Moments Musicaux Op. 94 D 780 and Chopin's Nocturne in B major Op. 32, Nocturne in A flat major Op. 32 and Sonate in B flat minor Op. 35 No. 2
The Schubert was great but the Chopin? I'm not much of a fan, but boy, this was AMAZING. Never before had I heard such delicate playing. And never before had I experienced 7 encores. When Sokolov walked in, he looked totally uninterested, but then he got to work and suddenly it was like another being took his place. The contrast between his non-existent stage demeanor and the way his heart was pouring through the pieces he not only played, but made sweet, sweet love to, was unbelievable.
Quote from: Rinaldo on November 02, 2015, 12:01:23 PM
Saw this old geezer yesterday at the Firkušný festival in Prague.
The program consisted of Schubert's Piano Sonata in A minor Op. 143 D 784, 6 Moments Musicaux Op. 94 D 780 and Chopin's Nocturne in B major Op. 32, Nocturne in A flat major Op. 32 and Sonate in B flat minor Op. 35 No. 2
The Schubert was great but the Chopin? I'm not much of a fan, but boy, this was AMAZING. Never before had I heard such delicate playing. And never before had I experienced 7 encores. When Sokolov walked in, he looked totally uninterested, but then he got to work and suddenly it was like another being took his place. The contrast between his non-existent stage demeanor and the way his heart was pouring through the pieces he not only played, but made sweet, sweet love to, was unbelievable.
His Chopin preludes on Naive are the best I have heard.
Quote from: Rinaldo on November 02, 2015, 12:01:23 PM
Saw this old geezer yesterday at the Firkušný festival in Prague.
The program consisted of Schubert's Piano Sonata in A minor Op. 143 D 784, 6 Moments Musicaux Op. 94 D 780 and Chopin's Nocturne in B major Op. 32, Nocturne in A flat major Op. 32 and Sonate in B flat minor Op. 35 No. 2
The Schubert was great but the Chopin? I'm not much of a fan, but boy, this was AMAZING. Never before had I heard such delicate playing. And never before had I experienced 7 encores. When Sokolov walked in, he looked totally uninterested, but then he got to work and suddenly it was like another being took his place. The contrast between his non-existent stage demeanor and the way his heart was pouring through the pieces he not only played, but made sweet, sweet love to, was unbelievable.
I know what you mean. There is an all Chopin live recording by him from 20th January 2005 in Amsterdam that is the best Chopin recital I've ever heard. I don't think that this is available anywhere on CD which is a pity.
I'm going to hear him in a few days. He has a new CD in the pipeline with the Hammerklavier and Moments Musicaux.
Quote from: George on November 02, 2015, 03:31:35 PM
His Chopin preludes on Naive are the best I have heard.
+1
Quote from: Holden on November 02, 2015, 04:04:05 PM
I know what you mean. There is an all Chopin live recording by him from 20th January 2005 in Amsterdam that is the best Chopin recital I've ever heard. I don't think that this is available anywhere on CD which is a pity.
Well, that description does make me want to hear it.
Anyone get the first DG release by Sokolov? I hear there are sound issues with it.
Another DG release is due out soon for Sokolov.
Quote from: George on January 25, 2016, 08:06:07 AM
Anyone get the first DG release by Sokolov? I hear there are sound issues with it.
Yes. Sound is fine for a live recital.
Quote from: Todd on January 25, 2016, 08:20:12 AM
Yes. Sound is fine for a live recital.
Ok, thanks.
I ignored the first because the main bulk of that one was the Chopin Preludes I already have an older recordings of on op.111/Naive. I might get the new one eventually because his 80s recording of LvB's op.106 is virtually unavailable (or goes for around 40 EUR on ebay).
Quote from: Jo498 on January 25, 2016, 08:24:38 AM
I ignored the first because the main bulk of that one was the Chopin Preludes I already have an older recordings of on op.111/Naive.
Yes, I thought that was a poor choice for his first DG release.
QuoteI might get the new one eventually because his 80s recording of LvB's op.106 is virtually unavailable (or goes for around 40 EUR on ebay).
The Schubert has me very interested.
I have his Schubert on Naive and am not that fussed with it.
There are a number of live recordings up on YouTube of Sokolov playing Byrd and Couperin. I find these performances of baroque repertoire by Sokolov mesmerizing.