Deutsche Grammophon
2005
Tchaikovsky: 18 Pieces
About This Album
Tchaikovsky's music for orchestra vastly overshadows his works for smaller ensembles and for the piano. In fact, he wrote a fair amount of piano music, most of which is rarely performed publically or recorded. His most popular piano is the suite The Seasons, but even that is most frequently heard only as excerpts. The set of pieces, Morceaux, Op. 72, was some of the last music Tchaikovsky wrote. These also are usually only heard as excerpts, but Mikhail Pletnev demonstrates that performed all together, they actually form a very enjoyable recital program. There are dances, character pieces, songs without words, and even a miniature story in the final Scène dansante. They range from simple songs to virtuosic showpieces, melancholy to happy. Although Tchaikovsky's piano works are not thought of as important in his output, let alone the vast universe of Romantic piano music, Pletnev brings out the best of each piece, obviously enjoying them all. The first piece, Impromptu, although in F minor, is lively and, in a way, capricious, and No. 4 Danse caractéristique is just that: full of character. No. 5 Méditation begins tenderly, but becomes quite impassioned by the end. At the flashy end of No. 7 Polacca de concert and in the exhilarating Scène dansante, Pletnev always makes sure the spirit of the music takes precedence over any technical fireworks. There are beautiful, lyrical moments and movements, such as No. 17 Passé lointain, but there is more frequently the sense of strength and an underlying athleticism in Pletnev's playing that make these pieces unmistakably Tchaikovsky's. Pletnev well deserves the applause he receives at the end. The recording also has excellent sound for a live performance. ~ Patsy Morita, All Music Guide
Track List

Morceaux (18) For Piano, Op. 72
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