Rachmaninov

Prelude in C sharp minor, Op. 3, No. 2; Preludes, Opp. 23 & 32 Boris Giltburg (piano)

Naxos 8.574025 79:55 mins

Having notched up three well-received Rachmaninov discs for Naxos already, it was surely only a matter of time before Boris Giltburg would get around to the 24 preludes composed across two decades, corralled into two collections and introduced by that standalone warhorse in C sharp minor. It’s been worth the wait. In his liner note Giltburg argues that Op. 32 is more modern in spirit (a relative concept when it comes to Rachmaninov!), and his trenchant pianism effortlessly adjusts with a rugged, thrusting account of the C major prelude that launches the later set.

He neatly characterises the

B flat minor’s mercurial twists, and utterly nails the chiselled energy of the E major (whilst skilfully delineating the artful strategies of its E minor sibling). And if there’s always a keen intellect watching over the virtuosic bravura, Giltburg excels in Rachmaninov’s rarelydistant poetry. His pellucid right hand traces a limpid line through Op. 32/5; and how achingly poignant he makes the momentary swerve into the minor before G major banishes the clouds.

Op. 23 is just as persuasive; the E flat love letter to Rachmaninov’s newly-born daughter, caressing, the serene polyphony of the initially Chopinesque D major beautifully teased out. Hugely recommendable, and at budget price it’s a steal!

Paul Riley

PERFORMANCE ★★★★★

RECORDING ★★★★★