Boris Giltburg - Rachmaninoff: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1 & 2; The Isle of the Dead (arr. for piano) - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Symphonic in scale and with great dramatic power, Rachmaninoff's Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor is an underappreciated masterpiece, depicting a tremendous range of human emotions. The turbulent and brilliant Piano Sonata No. 2 in B flat minor is heard in the 1931 revised version which clarifies textures and streamlines the work, heightening it's emotional impact. The Isle of the Dead employs Georgy Kirkor's 1957 transcription which Boris Giltburg has revised significantly. Giltburg's authority in Rachmaninoff has been universally acknowledged, with his performances termed 'characterful, sensitive and technically dazzling' by BBC Music Magazine (Naxos 8.574528). Album Tracks 1. * Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28 2. I. Allegro Moderato 3. II. Lento 4. III. Allegro Molto 5. * Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat minor, Op. 36 (1931 Version) 6. I. Allegro Agitato 7. II. Non Allegro - Lento 8. III. Allegro Molto 9. Ostrov Myortvikh (The Isle of the Dead), Op. 29 (Arr. G. Kirkor and B. Giltburg for Piano)