Sheng Cai - Sheng Cai Plays Tchaikovsky (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Dumka, Op. 59 Russian Rustic Scene
02. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: I. Reverie du soir: Andante espressivo
03. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: II. Scherzo humoristique: Allegro vivacissimo
04. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: III. Feuillet d’album: Allegretto semplice
05. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: IV. Nocturne: Andante sentimentale
06. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: V. Capriccioso: Allegretto semplice
07. Six Pieces for Solo Piano, Op. 19: VI. Thème original et variations: Andante non tanto
08. Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37: I. Moderato e risoluto
09. Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37: II. Andante non troppo, quasi moderato
10. Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37: III. Scherzo: Allegro giocoso
11. Grand Sonata in G Major, Op. 37: IV. Finale: Allegro vivace
12. Swan Lake, Op. 20: Act II: No. 10, Scene (Moderato) (Arr. Sheng Cai, for solo piano)
13. The Nutcracker, Op. 71: Act 2: No. 14a, Pas de deux (Arr. Mikhail Pletnev and Sheng Cai, for solo piano)

With Sheng Cai Plays Tchaikovsky (ACD2 2947), the pianist explores a lesser-known side of the Russian composer’s output: his piano music. The program features the Grand Sonata in G major, a monumental work of near-symphonic scale, the Six Pieces for Solo Piano, each offering a unique atmosphere, and the virtuosic Dumka, a Ukrainian-inspired ballad full of passion. Also included are two transcriptions from Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballets: The Nutcracker Suite in Mikhaïl Pletnev’s sparkling version, and a previously unrecorded adaptation by Sheng Cai of a scene from Swan Lake.

Through this program, Sheng Cai highlights the expressive richness and poetic depth of Tchaikovsky’s piano writing, often overshadowed by his symphonies and concertos. His interpretations combine virtuosity and sensitivity in a vibrant homage where Russian melancholy, folkloric energy, and orchestral grandeur transposed to the piano intertwine.

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