Composer: Joseph Haydn, Frédéric Chopin, Ludwig van Beethoven, Robert Schumann, Sergei Rachmaninov
Works: Sonata No. 37 in E major, Hob.XVI:22; Nocturne in F major, Opus 15 No. 1; Nocturne in E minor, Opus 72 No. 1; Sonata No. 11 in B flat major, Opus 22; Eroica Variations, Opus 35; Symphonic Etudes, Opus 13; 12 Preludes (from Opus 23 & Opus 32)
Performers: Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Recording: Live performances from 1967-1969, various venues
Label: BBC Legends BBCL 4090-2
Sviatoslav Richter, one of the towering figures of 20th-century pianism, is celebrated for his ability to transcend the mere execution of notes, infusing each phrase with a profound emotional and intellectual depth. This two-CD set from BBC Legends captures Richter at the zenith of his artistry, performing works that are emblematic of his interpretative prowess. The repertoire includes pieces from composers who were not only foundational to the piano canon but also intimately connected with Richter’s own musical journey. This collection, recorded during live performances, offers a captivating glimpse into the mind of a musician who was both a virtuoso and a thinker.
Richter’s interpretation of Haydn’s Sonata in E major, Hob.XVI:22, is a testament to his ability to breathe life into works that are often overshadowed by their more illustrious contemporaries. Here, the spontaneity of Haydn’s writing is brought to the fore, with Richter’s articulate phrasing and dynamic contrasts illuminating the score’s playful character. The slow movement emerges as a highlight, where Richter’s nuanced touch allows for a delicate exploration of the lyrical lines, showcasing his affinity for the subtleties of articulation and tempo. This approach sets a compelling stage for the contrasting styles of Chopin, Beethoven, Schumann, and Rachmaninov that follow.
The two Chopin Nocturnes included in this set are particularly noteworthy. Richter shapes the Nocturne in F major, Opus 15 No. 1, with a lyrical fluidity that resonates with the inherent melancholy of the piece. His interpretation of the Nocturne in E minor, Opus 72 No. 1, while idiomatic, does reveal a slight imbalance in the recording that at times amplifies the louder passages excessively, creating a tension that may detract from the overall atmospheric quality intended by Chopin. In contrast, his reading of Beethoven’s Sonata No. 11 in B flat major, Opus 22, is marked by a striking immediacy. Richter’s decision to vary the dynamics in the recapitulation of the first movement deviates from the score in a way that enhances the emotional intensity, inviting listeners to engage with the music on a more intimate level.
Richter’s performance of Schumann’s Symphonic Etudes, Opus 13, unfolds with a sweeping momentum that is both exhilarating and visionary. Each etude is meticulously crafted, yet the overarching narrative remains robust, revealing Richter’s deep understanding of Schumann’s compositional architecture. This is particularly evident in the way he navigates the transitions between the various sections, maintaining a sense of coherence amid the contrasting moods.
The 1969 Manchester performance of Rachmaninov’s Preludes is the crowning jewel of this anthology. Richter’s selection from Opus 23 and Opus 32 encapsulates the full spectrum of Rachmaninov’s emotional landscape, from the introspective to the exuberant. His ability to balance the somber beauty of the more subdued pieces with the virtuosic demands of the extroverted works is breathtaking. While recent recordings may boast more sophisticated sound engineering, Richter’s interpretations remain definitive, setting a benchmark for future pianists.
The quality of the recordings themselves reflects the high standards of the BBC’s engineering team. The sound captures the unique acoustic characteristics of each venue, allowing listeners to appreciate the subtleties of Richter’s touch and the dynamic range of the piano. Despite minor audience distractions, such as the preemptive applause at the Beethoven scherzo, the overall experience is immersive and engaging.
Sviatoslav Richter’s performances in this collection resonate with a rare authenticity that speaks to both the technical and interpretative mastery he possessed. Each piece is approached not merely as a work to be performed but as a living dialogue between the composer and the performer. This release is a vital addition to the catalogue, reaffirming Richter’s status as one of the preeminent pianists of his time and inviting a new generation of listeners to encounter the music through his remarkable lens.
