Emil Gilels, the renowned Soviet pianist, delivers a captivating solo recital in this 1962 live recording, showcasing his extraordinary talent and deep connection with the music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The album features a selection of Tchaikovsky's piano sonatas, including the Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 80, and the Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84, demonstrating Gilels' technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity. The recital also includes five movements from Stravinsky's "Petrushka," arranged for piano, offering a unique perspective on this iconic ballet suite. Additionally, the album presents a prelude by Bach, arranged by Siloti, and a prelude from Rachmaninoff's Op. 23, further highlighting Gilels' versatility and mastery of the piano repertoire. Recorded in Moscow on April 9, 1962, this live performance captures the intimacy and spontaneity of a concert setting, providing a rare opportunity to experience Gilels' artistry in its purest form. With a total duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes, this album is a testament to Gilels' enduring legacy as one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century.
Tracks
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 80: I. Allegro con fuocoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 80: II. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 80: III. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata in C-Sharp Minor, Op. posth. 80: IV. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: I. Andante dolcePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: II. Andante sognandoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Piano Sonata No. 8 in B-Flat Major, Op. 84: III. VivacePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Five Movements from Petrushka: I. Russian Dance (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Five Movements from Petrushka: II. The Petrushka's Room (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Five Movements from Petrushka: III. The Moor's Room (Arr. Theodor Szántó)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Theodor Szanto, Emil Gilels
Five Movements from Petrushka: IV. Dance of the Ballerina (Arr. Theodor Szanto)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Theodor Szanto, Emil Gilels
Five Movements from Petrushka: V. The Shrovetide Fair (Arr. Igor Stravinsky)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels
Prelude in B Minor, BWV 855a (Arr. Alexander Siloti)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Theodor Szanto, Emil Gilels
Preludes, Op. 23: No. 5 in G MinorPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels