5060216341699

The Ambassador Auditorium Recitals, 1981-1989

Shura Cherkassky

Regular
£18.99
Sale
Regular
£18.99
Unavailable
Unit Price
per 

Format: 5CD

Cat No: FHR099

Email me when this is available

Release Date:  15 November 2024

Label:  Fhr Remasters / First Hand Records

Packaging Type:  Box Set

No of Units:  5

Barcode:  5060216341699

Genres:  Classical  Solo Instrumental  

  • Description

    Shura Cherkassky (1909-1995) was a Russian-American concert pianist known for his performances of the romantic repertoire. He was one of the last pianists to come from the Golden Age of Pianism, whose playing was characterised by a virtuoso technique and singing piano tone.

    Cherkassky early on in his career earned a reputation for spontaneity, creativity, and technical perfection in his playing. His sound was unique and became almost instantly recognisable and was famous for never playing the same piece the same way.

    In addition to the standard virtuoso repertoire, especially that of Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov, Cherkassky also performed works by Hofmann, Hindemith, Morton Gould, Britten, Luciano Berio, Alban Berg, Stockhausen, Boulez and other 20th century/contemporary composers.

    The stimulus of a live audience always produced a more compelling performance from Cherkassky than he would give in a recording studio. Presented here are all the recital performances, totalling over five hours, which he gave at the Ambassador Auditorium between 1981 and 1989, published for the first time.



    'First Hand Records seem to have embraced the artistry of Cherkassky, having already released another couple of CDs. This latest 5 CD set captures the artist as he approaches the twilight of his career, but the old magic is there and very evident for all to hear. The pianist's tone is captured well.' – Music Web International

  • Tracklisting

      Disc 1

      Side 1

      • 1. Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
      • 2. Chopin: Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 9, No. 2
      • 3. Chopin: Nocturne No. 15 in F minor, Op. 55, No. 1
      • 4. Chopin: Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante in E flat major I. Andante spianato
      • 5. II. Grande Polonaise brillante
      • 6. Chopin: Fantaisie in F minor
      • 7. Chopin: Impromptu No. 2 in F sharp major
      • 8. Chopin: Fantaisie-impromptu in C sharp minor, Op. 66
      • 9. Chopin: Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor
      • 10. Chopin: Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise brillante in E flat major I. Andante spianato
      • 11. II. Molto allegro

      Disc 2

      • 1. Lully: Suite de Pieces I. Allemande
      • 2. II. Air tendre
      • 3. III. Courante
      • 4. IV. Sarabande
      • 5. V. Gigue
      • 6. Mendelssohn: Scherzo a capriccio in F sharp minor
      • 7. Tchaikovsky: Grand Sonata in G major I. Moderato e risoluto
      • 8. II. Andante non troppo quasi moderato
      • 9. III. Scherzo. Allegro giocoso
      • 10. IV. Finale. Allegro vivace
      • 11. Chopin: Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23
      • 12. Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52 (1843)

      Disc 3

      • 1. Hofmann: Charakterskizzen No. 4. Kaleidoskop
      • 2. Liszt: Reminiscences de Don Juan
      • 3. Cherkassky: Prelude pathetique
      • 4. Chopin: Waltz No. 5 in A flat major, Op. 42, 'Grande valse'
      • 5. Franck: Prelude, Choral et Fugue Prelude
      • 6. Choral
      • 7. Fugue
      • 8. Schumann: Carnaval Preambule
      • 9. Pierrot
      • 10. Arlequin
      • 11. Valse noble
      • 12. Eusebius
      • 13. Florestan
      • 14. Coquette
      • 15. Replique
      • 16. Papillons
      • 17. A.S.C.H.-S.C.H.A. (lettres dansantes)
      • 18. Chiarina
      • 19. Chopin
      • 20. Estrella
      • 21. Reconnaissance
      • 22. Pantalon et Colombine
      • 23. Valse allemande
      • 24. Paganini
      • 25. Aveu
      • 26. Promenade
      • 27. Pause
      • 28. Marche des Davidsbundler contre les Philistins

      Disc 4

      • 1. Rachmaninov: Variations on a Theme of Corelli
      • 2. Hofmann: Charakterskizzen No. 4. Kaleidoskop
      • 3. Chopin: Nocturne No. 15 in F minor, Op. 55, No. 1
      • 4. Chopin: Barcarolle in F sharp major, Op. 60
      • 5. liszt: RValse de l'opera Faust de Gounod
      • 6. Albeniz: Espana II. Tango
      • 7. Rachmaninov: Polka de W.R.
      • 8. Tchaikovsky: The Seasons No. 10. October: Autumn Song

      Disc 5

      • 1. Handel: Keyboard Suite No.5 in E Major IV. Air and Variations, 'The Harmonious Blacksmith'
      • 2. Schumann: Fantasy in C major, Op. 17 III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten
      • 3. Tchaikovsky: 6 Morceaux, Op. 19 No. 6. Theme original et variations in F major
      • 4. Rachmaninov: 7 Morceaux de salon, Op. 10 No. 3. Barcarolle in G minor
      • 5. liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C sharp minor
      • 6. Albeniz: Espana II. Tango
      • 7. Chopin: Tarentelle in A flat major, Op. 43