Description

GRANTE PLAYS RACHMANINOFF. Sergei Rachmaninoff: 13 Preludes Op. 32; Variations on a theme by Corelli; Isle of the Dead (transcription for solo piano by G. Kirkor) Carlo Grante, piano. (DDD) Total time: 79:24. UPC# 0-17685-122828. [$14.95]

BUZZ: Serge Rachmaninoff's piano music can serve as a powerful introduction to the instrument for those not yet familiar with classical repertoire: its immediacy, sheer charm, and expressive power cannot fail to move even non-musical listeners. These same qualities, however, yield the most common prejudices against Rachmaninoff, especially among those who view him as a reactionary bent on easy appreciation, as if this were inherently synonymous with mediocrity. In these virtuosic performances of three Rachmaninoff solo works – of which Isle of the Dead is a recording premiere – Italian pianist Carlo Grante demonstrates the music's depth of thought, originality, and inventiveness, making a convincing case for its viability today.

"The collaboration between Sergei Rachmaninov and Carlo Grante seems an aesthetic inevitability".

-Audiophile Audition, August 28, 2009

Sound Clips (MP3):

1. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 1 in C major Allegro vivace – Carlo Grante

2. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 2 in B flat minor Allegretto – Carlo Grante

3. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 3 in E major Allegro vivace – Carlo Grante

4. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 4 in E minor Allegro con brio – Carlo Grante

5. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 5 in G major Moderato – Carlo Grante

6. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 6 in F minor Allegro appassionato – Carlo Grante

7. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 7 in F major Moderato – Carlo Grante

8. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 8 in A minor Vivo – Carlo Grante

9. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 9 in A major Allegro moderato – Carlo Grante

10. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 10 in B minor Lento – Carlo Grante

11. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 11 in B major Allegretto – Carlo Grante

12. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 12 in G sharp minor Allegro – Carlo Grante

13. 13 Preludes, Op- 32 No- 13 in D flat major Grave – Allegro – Carlo Grante

14. Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op- 42 Theme Andante – Carlo Grante

15. Variation 1 Poco piu mosso – Carlo Grante

16. Variation 2 L’istesso tempo – Carlo Grante

17. Variation 3 Tempo di menuetto – Carlo Grante

18. Variation 4 Andante – Carlo Grante

19. Variation 5 Allegro (ma non tanto) – Variation 6 L’istesso tempo – Carlo Grante

20. Variation 7 Vivace – Carlo Grante

21. Variation 8 Adagio misterioso – Carlo Grante

22. Variation 9 Un poco piu mosso – Carlo Grante

23. Variation 10 Allegro scherzando – Carlo Grante

24. Variation 11 Allegro vivace – Carlo Grante

25. Variation 12 L’istesso tempo – Carlo Grante

26. Variation 13 Agitato – Carlo Grante

27. Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op- 42 Intermezzo – Carlo Grante

28. Variation 14 Andante (come prima) – Carlo Grante

29. Variation 15 L’istesso tempo – Carlo Grante

30. Variation 16 Allegro vivace – Carlo Grante

31. Variation 17 Meno mosso – Carlo Grante

32. Variation 18 Allegro con brio – Carlo Grante

33. Variation 19 Piu mosso, Agitato – Carlo Grante

34. Variation 20Variation XX Piu mosso – Carlo Grante

35. Variations on a Theme of Corelli, Op- 42 Coda Andante – Carlo Grante

36. Ostrov myortvikh (The Isle of the Dead), Op- 29 (arr- for piano) – Carlo Grante