New piano cd's at Netherlands Radio 4

[Rach3]

New Harmonia Mundi cd of Debussy, Book 2 of the Preludes complete , and Debussy’s transcription of his “ La Mer “ for piano-4 hands ( ! ) . Pianists Alexander Melnikov and Olga Pashchenko in “ La Mer”, Melnikov on a period (? ) Erard in the Preludes :

https://www.nporadio4.nl/cds/alexander- ... ko-debussy

“ Prepare to be spellbound…This does not sound like an old piano, merely a distinctive one in the hands of a truly remarkable player…It is not only the individual sounds that impress…but also Melnikov’s ability to combine seemingly contradictory textures, with sharply drawn detail surrounded by a shimmering haze as if multiple pianos are being used. This is indeed compelling pianism.” BBC Music Magazine,August, 2018

“ La Mer “ sounds almost completely different work , perhaps Debussy’s intent ?
Heard 4 of the Preludes ( the Radio 4 track listing is not accurate ). Not much “ haze.”

Jonathan Plowright plays solo piano music of Josef Suk, on Hyperion. I heard the 5 “Moods “ , Op.10 :

https://www.nporadio4.nl/cds/josef-suk- ... -plowright

[maestrob]

Thanks for posting these! Am enjoying the Debussy/Melnikov, which is very fine. I too have had my eye on him for a few years, and like what I hear. His Shostakovich is particularly fine.