Konstantin Emelyanov's Top Five: The Magnificence of Piano Sound
In celebration of World Piano Day, Konstantin Emelyanov shares a selection of tracks which praise the beauty of piano sound at its best.
Read more…Chopin: Mazurkas op. posth. 67, Mazurka No. 2 in G minor – Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli
My first track is Mazurka op. 67 No. 2 in G minor performed by one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century, Arturo Benedetti Michelangelo. Absolute harmony, an absolute sense of form and excellent hearing - the pleasant softness of the master's touch. "He brings this diamond to perfection." There's nothing more to say, enjoy!
Chopin: Préludes op. 28, Prelude in D flat major 'Raindrop' – Grigory Sokolov
My second track is Chopin's prelude in D flat major from the cycle of 24 preludes op. 28 performed by the living legend Grigory Sokolov. There is a completely different approach to Chopin's music and a completely different approach to the sound of the piano itself. I remember hearing this prelude as an encore at one of Sokolov's concerts, it was an unforgettable musical sensation for me. His rich, deep and piercing touch penetrates right into the hearts of listeners. This sound gives you goosebumps and stays with you long after the concert.
Beethoven: Sonata for Piano No. 17 in D minor op. 31/2 “The Tempest”, II. Adagio – Alexei Lubimov
My third track is quite unusual in this playlist, because it was recorded not on a modern piano, but on a copy of Erard 1802. Here is an Adagio from Beethoven's piano sonata op. 31 No. 2 in D minor performed by the outstanding musician Alexey Lyubimov. He belongs to that rare type of musician who manages to masterfully play both modern and historical instruments. It's quite paradoxical, but the sound of this record is incredibly warm and at the same time crisp, like fresh snow underfoot.
Brahms: Pieces for Piano op. 119, No. 1 Intermezzo. Adagio – Radu Lupu
My fourth track brings us back to the modern piano. Of course, a playlist dedicated to the beauty of piano sound cannot exist without Radu Lupu. I have no words to describe the magic of his touch - pure divinity. So let's just listen to his recording of Brahms's intermezzo from Op. 119. I can listen to this one endlessly...
Mompou: Combat del somni (1942-1948), Damunt de tu només les flors (Arr. for Piano) – Arcadi Volodos
And last, but not least, "Damunt de tu Només les flors" by Frederic Mompou, arranged for the piano and performed by Arcadi Volodos. Last but not least. If you have an hour of time, I highly recommend listening to Volodos' entire album dedicated to Mompou's music (your ears will thank me for this recommendation). Before I first heard his live concert, I thought that the expression "singing on the piano" was just a cliché of piano professors from all over the world. But now I know that it exists, and we can listen to it thanks to Arcadi Volodos.