Tchaikovsky & Stravinsky: Russian Ballet Suites

Whether offering new and unexpected insights into the original works, or—given the pianistic pedigree associated with the genre—the opportunity to astonish the listener with displays of pyrotechnics, piano transcriptions work on various levels. Benefiting from the ‘stunningly precise fingerwork’ (BBC Record Review) of Andrey Gugnin, the ballet suites recorded here amply deliver on all counts.

CDA68471/2  83 minutes 14 seconds (2 discs)
‘Gugnin is a first-rate virtuoso and musician … an electrifying performance of Guido Agosti’s notoriously demanding Firebird Suite arrangement’ (Gramophone)
‘Mesmerizing … don’t overlook this. Gugnin brings the magic to Pletnev’s Nutcracker transcription; his Stravinsky Petrushka pieces have thrilling exuberance and virtuosity—it’s a wo ...
‘Pianistic command is certainly never in doubt, as confirmed in Guido Agosti’s fearsomely intricate Firebird transcription—a volcanic reimagining that Gugnin surmounts with effortless poise. Th ...