Sviatoslav Richter — Pianist of the Century
Works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy, Haydn, Mozart, et al
Sviatoslav Richter, piano
Deutsche Grammophon
Although numerous CD incarnations of Sviatoslav Richter’s Deutsche
Grammophon recordings have graced the catalog, collectors surely will welcome
this complete “original jacket” edition, programmed in accordance with the
original LPs and newly remastered. These 1956-62 recordings capture Richter in
his prime and include performances that not only retain reference status (the
Rachmaninoff Second and Profokiev Fifth concertos with Rowicki, selected
Rachmaninoff Preludes, Prokofiev’s Eighth Sonata, plus Schumann’s Waldszenen
and Toccata) but also belie Richter’s often expressed aversion to studio
recordings.
Granted, the Tchaikovsky First with Herbert von Karajan and Beethoven Third with Kurt Sanderling are relatively staid in relation to alternate Richter studio
versions on other labels. No complaints, however, regarding material stemming
from the pianist’s 1962 tour of Italy, which includes the Chopin Fourth
Ballade, the Scriabin Fifth Sonata, Debussy’s Estampes and perhaps the best recording ever made of Schumann’s Op. 1 Abegg Variations. Consider this release a one-stop shop for those seeking a well-rounded survey of Richter’s multifaceted, individual and occasionally idiosyncratic artistry.
- Jed Distler
