Boris Giltburg, the acclaimed pianist and winner of the 2013 Queen Elisabeth Competition, presents his second recording with Orchid Classics, a captivating collection of Romantic sonatas by Rachmaninov, Grieg, and Liszt. This album, released in October 2013, showcases Giltburg's exceptional artistry and deep understanding of these monumental works.
The album opens with Rachmaninov's Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 36, a piece known for its dramatic intensity and technical demands. Giltburg's performance is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the sonata's emotional depth and complexity. The album also features Grieg's Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op. 7, a work that combines lyrical beauty with structural sophistication. Giltburg's interpretation is marked by its clarity and expressiveness, highlighting the sonata's melodic richness.
The centerpiece of the album is Liszt's Piano Sonata in B Minor, S178/R21, a towering work that has been described as one of the greatest romantic compositions in any medium. Giltburg's performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, matching the piece's intensity with a mixture of total absorption and a sense of delight. His playing is both virtuosic and deeply musical, revealing the sonata's structural ingenuity and emotional resonance.
Throughout the album, Giltburg demonstrates a remarkable ability to balance technical precision with emotional depth. His playing is always expressive, never merely showy, and his interpretations are marked by a keen sense of structure and a deep understanding of the music's historical context. The album's duration is 1 hour and 12 minutes, offering a substantial and satisfying listening experience.
This album is a testament to Boris Giltburg's extraordinary talent and his commitment to the Romantic repertoire. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in classical piano music and a testament to the enduring power of these great works.
Vinylscout