New CD: Nikolai Lugansky has recorded Rachmaninov's Études-Tableaux again

New CD: Nikolai Lugansky has recorded Rachmaninov's Études-Tableaux again

Nikolai Lugansky has recorded Rachmaninov's Études-Tableaux before, back in the January 1995 issue Bryce Morrison was impressed by the then 22-year-old pianist's 'glorious eloquence'. Indeed, that earlier recording was Morrison's top choice when he wrote his Gramophone Collection article on the work in 2015. He wrote: 'Lugansky's performance blazes with a demonic force, purging all possible sentimentality while telling you in every bar of Rachmaninov’s uniquely Russian flavour and stature.'

Following on from his formidable complete recording of the Preludes, Nikolai Lugansky now immerses us in two more major cycles by Rachmaninoff, the Études-tableaux. Like Chopin and Liszt, the Russian composer here transcends every technical difficulty to make room for emotion alone. At once poet and virtuoso, Nikolai Lugansky is unmatched in his ability to do justice to this prodigious musical kaleidoscope.

It will be fascinating to hear how Lugansky's interpretations have transformed and developed in this new recording, released today.

Listen in Apple Music