Prokofiev's Piano Music

[George]

(* Jeevesian cough *) Perhaps, if I might suggest one possible substitute, sir:

A diabolic suggestion, karl.

[Brahmsian]

Ok. So, I've got Raekallio.


The Raekallio includes most of Prokofiev's major works for solo piano, but not "Diabolique Suggestion" (from Op. 4), for example. If the Berman set of the complete music (sonatas + everything else) was available in a box, I'd grab it. (Or Chiu for that matter, which is now out of print, too.)

Any recommendations for picking up "Diabolique Suggestion" as well as anything else missing from the Raekallio set?

Is the Raekallio the one set I should get for Prokofiev's Piano Sonatas?  As a starter?  I don't have any of Sergei's piano sonatas.  I think my ears are ready now for them.  They weren't ready for them a few years ago.    No fault of Sergei's.

[Karl Henning]

A diabolic suggestion, karl.

(* chortle *)

Is the Raekallio the one set I should get for Prokofiev's Piano Sonatas?  As a starter?  I don't have any of Sergei's piano sonatas.  I think my ears are ready now for them.  They weren't ready for them a few years ago.    No fault of Sergei's.

An excellent set, Ray!

[Karl Henning]

I don't know, but I recall reading that Karl likes Sandór's Prokofiev:
I suggest checking this
[asin]B000001K71[/asin]

Aye, tasty, indeed!

[Mandryka]

For op4 try Oleg Marshev, or for just the Suggestion Diabolique, Alexis Weissenberg. You should anyway think of complementing Raekallio's sonatas with Marshev.

I cannot recommend Oleg Marshev's Prokofiev more highly.

[North Star]

Is the Raekallio the one set I should get for Prokofiev's Piano Sonatas?  As a starter?  I don't have any of Sergei's piano sonatas.  I think my ears are ready now for them.  They weren't ready for them a few years ago.    No fault of Sergei's.

Certainly a very nice set, and you get much of his other piano works, too. Go for it, Ray!

[Brahmsian]

Certainly a very nice set, and you get much of his other piano works, too. Go for it, Ray!

Thank you Karl and North Star.  I will add it to my wish list! 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

(* Jeevesian cough *) Perhaps, if I might suggest one possible substitute, sir:

I just listened to that one on YouTube. Very nice indeed. Thanks for the mention, Karl.

But if you'll indulge me a bit of fun: to me Richter's version is a tough act to follow. The combination of clarity and pyrotechnics - especially at about the 1:45 mark - hint at what Prokofiev saw in this pianist:





http://www.youtube.com/v/rJfDl6h9ZgI

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Thank you Karl and North Star.  I will add it to my wish list! 

Coming in late but definitely thirded!

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Ordered! 

Thanks!

Give us an update when you hear it, George!

[aukhawk]

Some great Russian artists mentioned upthread.
Looking at my own collection, I have sonatas 1,4,5,9 by played Murray McLachlan and 7,8,9 by John Lill.
This is not music I listen to very often - maybe this is why? 

[not edward]

Some great Russian artists mentioned upthread.
Looking at my own collection, I have sonatas 1,4,5,9 by played Murray McLachlan and 7,8,9 by John Lill.
This is not music I listen to very often - maybe this is why? 

Can't comment on the Lill, but I find McLachlan has little to offer in these works.

Of the recordings I've heard, Richter is incomparable in 7 & 8 (I'm in love with the Russian Revelation disc of the War Sonatas which I finally found a copy of a few months ago).

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Some great Russian artists mentioned upthread.
Looking at my own collection, I have sonatas 1,4,5,9 by played Murray McLachlan and 7,8,9 by John Lill.
This is not music I listen to very often - maybe this is why? 

Actually I've found that Prokofiev's piano music translates well across international dividing lines. So I think you're safe if you don't actually have a "Russian presence" in this music.

In fact, the Raekallio set mentioned repeatedly on this board is some of the finest Prokofiev out there. Grab that set and you should be happy for ages.

You could also do well with such international pianists like Guy, Glemser, Argerich, Pogorelich (though eccentric), and Chiu.

[admiralackbar]

Is the Raekallio the one set I should get for Prokofiev's Piano Sonatas?  As a starter?  I don't have any of Sergei's piano sonatas.  I think my ears are ready now for them.  They weren't ready for them a few years ago.    No fault of Sergei's.

If you don't have any of the sonatas, I suggest starting with this Pollini recital of 20th century music, which includes Prokofiev's 7th Sonata.



If you're committed to getting a set, however, then, yes, the Raekallio is the one to get (in my opinion). The performances are excellent throughout and the price is right as well. The other included works are great as well. The "Visions fugitives" (Op. 22), for example, are outstanding.