Classical Music: Grigory Sokolov Purcell and Mozart

Grigory Sokolov Purcell and Mozart

CD1 Purcell A Ground in Gamut, Z. 645; Suite No 2 in G minor, Z. 661; A New Irish Tune, Z. 646; A New Scotch Tune, Z. 655; Trumpet Tune, ZT 678; Suite No 4 in A minor, Z. 663; Round O, ZT 684; Suite No 7 in D minor, Z. 668; Chaconne in G minor, ZT 680
CD2 Mozart Piano Sonata No 13 in B-flat major, K. 333; Adagio in B minor, K. 540;
Encores: Rameau VI. Les sauvages Nouvelles suites de pièces de clavecin, Suite in G Major, RCT 6; Tambourin - Suite in E minor, RCT 2; Chopin Prelude in D-flat major ‘Raindrop’, Op 28/15
Mazurka No 40 in F minor, Op 63/2; Bach Prelude in E minor, BWV 855 (arr. in B minor by Alexander Siloti)

Grigory Sokolov (piano)

Recorded live 16 August 2023, Auditorio Kursaal, San Sebastián, Spain (Mozart); live, 18 August 2023, Palacio de Festivales de Cantabria, Santander, Spain (Purcell & Encores)
Deutsche Grammophon 486626 (2 CDs)

In the rarefied world of classical piano, few artists command the reverence afforded to Grigory Sokolov. The Leningrad-born virtuoso has ascended to almost mythical status, his recitals becoming pilgrimages for the devoted who happily accept the programmatic uncertainty until the moment he takes the stage. Recorded at the Santander International Festival in August 2023, Deutsche Grammophon's latest release provides ample evidence to justify such devotion.

Sokolov, who famously eschews studio recordings, offers a fascinating first half dedicated to Henry Purcell. These pieces, often heard on harpsichord, are transformed under his hands. The familiar A New Irish Tune, Round 0 (Rondeau from Abdelazer, which Britten borrowed for theme to his Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra) sparkles with rhythmic vitality, while the trumpet tune radiates exuberance without sacrificing authenticity. Throughout, Sokolov demonstrates his remarkable ability to honour period sensibilities while embracing modern piano's expressive capabilities.

The recital's centrepiece, Mozart's Sonata in B- flat, K. 333, receives an interpretation of judicious brilliance. Sokolov captures the work's essence with perfectly judged tempi, allowing the tension and expressiveness to build naturally while his virtuosic fingerwork illuminates every nuance. Even more affecting is his rendition of the Adagio in B minor, K. 540—a sombre masterpiece contemporary with Don Giovanni. Here, Sokolov's beautiful expression creates a questioning, introspective conclusion that lingers hauntingly in the memory.

The programme concludes with five encores, though particular highlights include a light-fingered, exquisitely phrased Rameau's Les sauvages, Chopin's F minor Mazurka No. 40 (more compelling than his 'Raindrop' Prelude), and Siloti's atmospheric arrangement of Bach's E minor Prelude—each met with palpable audience appreciation.

Deutsche Grammophon's engineers deserve special mention for their superlative work. The occasional ambient noises from this live recording only enhance its authenticity without ever distracting from Sokolov's graceful, luminous playing. They've perfectly captured both the piano's resonance and the hall's natural acoustics, allowing listeners to feel present at what must have been a transcendent musical experience.

For those who appreciate piano artistry of the highest order, this release stands as essential documentation of a living legend at the height of his powers.