Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No 7 (1958) Richter

Serge Prokofiev Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, Op. 83 1. Allegro inquieto ( 0:07 ) 2. Andante caloroso ( 8:06 ) 3. Precipitato ( 14:16)

Sviatoslav Richter, pianist

Recorded on June 26, 1958
at Grand Hall of the Conservatoire, Moscow

Prokofiev's Seventh Piano Sonata, also known as the "War Sonata No. 2" is one of his best known solo works for piano. It is a fusion of Modernism and Jazz, and like so much of his piano music is "fiendishly difficult", not only to play, but to hold together interpretively. The first movement based on a quotation from the famous first movement of Beethoven's Fifth symphony, is a fast-slow-fast-slow-fast development. The second, very Jazzy movement provides a sharp contrast to the first. The third movement, marked "Precipitato" is unrelenting in its demands, and proceeds with furious energy to a coda that challenges even the finest virtuosos.

Many consider Richter's performance to be the finest on record, and few could rival him as an interpreter of Prokofiev. His powerful playing and uncanny gift for the eclectic lent itself well to the composer's temperament; the music never gets out of hand or loses thematic focus, which is no easy feat with this score. It is a real showcase of Richter's interpretive abilities.

Field acoustic restoration: (2023) Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio

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