By bsteelacero
02-Aug-2009

Essential Richter ( and Prokofiev)  

In later years, Prokofiev wrote many works for Richter, who played them for the composer and gave their first performances. This all Prokofiev recital, given in Tokyo in 1981 contains three significant works ( Sonatas 6 and 9 and the usual Richter sequence of ten of the 20 Visions Fugitives) plus miscellaneous pieces, including five from Cinderella.

Quite apart from the fact of Richter’s close collaboration and friendship with the composer of this music is the feeling that here is a performer playing works which over the years have become part of his very fabric. The performances are, quite simply, stupendous- just listen to the snap and swagger in the Danse from Op 32 or the power in the encore, Suggestion Diabolique. Recording is tight and close but who cares? Essential.
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