"Classical Melancholy" is a profound and captivating exploration of the classical repertoire, masterfully curated and performed by the renowned pianist Grigory Sokolov. Released on November 24, 2017, under the naïve classique label, this album spans a rich tapestry of compositions that delve into the depths of melancholy and introspection, showcasing Sokolov's unparalleled artistry and technical brilliance.
The album features a diverse array of works, ranging from the delicate and lyrical to the dramatic and powerful. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber, the poignant "Erbarme dich, mein Gott" from Bach's "St. Matthew Passion," and the ethereal "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's "Requiem." Sokolov's interpretations are marked by their depth of expression and meticulous attention to detail, bringing a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces.
In addition to his solo performances, Sokolov is joined by a stellar ensemble of musicians, including Rinaldo Alessandrini, Anne Gastinel, Nan Christie, and the Quatuor Mosaïques. Their collective virtuosity elevates the album to new heights, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience.
With a duration of over two hours, "Classical Melancholy" offers a comprehensive journey through the classical canon, featuring works by composers such as Chopin, Beethoven, and Purcell. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's thoughtful selection of pieces and Sokolov's masterful performances make it a standout addition to any classical music collection.
24 Prelude, Op. 28: No 4, Largo in E MinorFrédéric Chopin, Grigory Sokolov
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Züricher KammerOrchester, Howard Griffiths, Fazıl Say
Don Juan, Wq. 52: No. 31, Danza degli spettri a delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Arr. as Agnus Dei by Laurence EquilbeySamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act II, Scene 18: No 17, Ach, ich fühls, es ist verschwunden (Pamina's Aria)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sandrine Piau, Freiburger Barockorchester
Polifemo: Alto giove (Aria)Nicola Porpora, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques, Ewa Mallas-godlewska, Derek Lee Ragin
Elégie in C Minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Anne Gastinel, Orchestre National De Lyon, Emmanuel Krivine
6 String Quartets, Op. 18, No. 6 in B-Flat Major: IV. La Malinconia. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Quatuor Mosaïques
Les valseuses - After Bertrand Blier's FilmStéphane Grappelli, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Laurent Korcia
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra: II. —Philip Glass, Adela Anthony, Takuo Yuasa, Ulster Orchestra
La Melancholia, Operatorio for Soloists, Chorus, Brass, Orchestra and Band: No 2, Il quarto loco, ExtractPascal Dusapin, Nan Christie, Cécile Eloir, Timothy Greacen, Martyn Hill, Orchestre National De Lyon, David Robertson
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Agnus Dei, Choral Version in B-Flat MinorSamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Nisi Dominus in G Minor, RV 608: No 4, Cum dederit (Aria)Antonio Vivaldi, Sara Mingardo, Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. II: No. 39, Erbarme dich mein Gott (Aria)Johann Sebastian Bach, Angela Kazimiercszuk, Das Neue Orchester, Christoph Spering
Adagio in G MinorTomaso Albinoni, Karol Teutsch, Orchestre Leopoldinum-wroclaw
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Danza degli spettri e delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto - Arr. for Solists and Chorus by Gérard PessonGustav Mahler, Solange Anorga, Hélène Moulin, Jean-François Chiama, Jean-Francois Lombard, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Requiem in D Minor for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra, K. 626: No 6, LacrimosaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Spering, Das Neue Orchester, Chorus Musicus Köln
Préludes, Livre 1, L. 117: No. 6, Des pas sur la neigeClaude Debussy, Noël Lee
King Arthur, Z. 628: What Power Art Thou (Aria)Henry Purcell, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
La lugubre gondola, S. 134 - Third Version Arranged for Cello and PianoFranz Liszt, Anne Gastinel, Pierre-Laurent Aimard