Some may expect Evgeny Kissin to deliver a flashy recital on this album of Russian piano works, and in some ways this is a reasonable hunch: with Scriabin's flamboyant Sonata No. 3 in F sharp minor, Op. 23, and Igor Stravinsky's notoriously difficult Three Movements from Petrouchka dominating the proceedings, it certainly seems like a CD of virtuoso showpieces, with scarcely a reflective moment. Yet the choice of Scriabin's wistfully poetic Five Preludes, Op. 15, for the opening, and Medtner's Sonata-Reminiscenza, Op. 38/1, for the center spot may make one think twice about Kissin's intentions, since these rather introspective and unshowy works color the album with a somber outlook that affects the reception of the other pieces. Kissin certainly shoots off plenty of fireworks in this program, but he seems to emphasize the darker aspects of the music, and there is definitely a current of mystery and intensity running through all the works. As Kissin matures and sheds the Wunderkind label, it becomes more apparent that he wants to express himself through substantial works with a wide range of emotions, and to bypass entirely the usual pianistic bonbons in favor of a more sober and challenging repertoire. If he hasn't convinced everyone yet of his serious intentions, then this album may at least serve notice. RCA's sound quality is clear and focused.
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