Grigory Sokolov - Prokofiev, Rachmaninov, Scriabin (2003)

The highly acclaimed but notoriously under-recorded Russian pianist Grigory Sokolov remains something of a cult & mystery figure in the world of classical music. Preferring the concert stage and avoiding the recording studio like it was the plague (the anti-Glenn Gould, as it were), Sokolov's growing legion of fans are largely left with the hopes of purchasing recital tickets whenever he comes to town. Of the recordings presently available for purchase, virtually all of them are taken from "live" concert performances. As one can gather from the many online uploads of Sokolov in action, this circumstance comes with the usual trade-off: of listening to scintillating, inspired performances that are somewhat less than ideal in sound quality, in part owing to audience intrusiveness.

Which brings me to this OPUS111 release of Sokolov playing selected pieces from Scriabin, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninov, drawn from three separate recitals delivered in St. Petersburg in the mid 1980s. The music-making is nothing short of brilliant, combining technical mastery of the highest order with deep emotional engagement (you can confirm this for yourselves by viewing some of the videos online). Scriabin's acclaimed 3rd piano sonata is given a sonorously controlled and moving interpretation by Sokolov, fully attuned to the composer's stated aspiration to explore the ever-changing "States of the Soul." Sokolov also takes on Scriabin's single movement sonata #9, the so-called "Satanic" or "Black Mass" sonata, in an equally inspired and virtuosic performance (marred only slightly by early coughing from the audience). Next up is Prokoviev's celebrated 8th sonata, of the famous "War Cycle" series. Sokolov captures the full range of Prokoviev's musical dynamism and inventiveness in a powerful and sublime reading. A short but beautifully played prelude from Rachmaninov serves as the encore to this truly memorable and indispensable recording.

I should add that in comparison to some of Sokolov's other live recordings, this one stands out for the nearly unnoticeable presence of an audience (something, alas, that does not hold for so many of the recordings of the great Russian master, Sviatoslav Richter). So if you are unfamiliar with maestro Sokolov's prodigious musical talents, this disk might be the best place to start. Recommended without qualification.