Regis
1994
Shostakovich: 24 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87
About This Album
Tatiana Nikolayeva was the original source and inspiration for Shostakovich's 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87, so it is only fair that she was the work's dedicatee and first public performer. After hearing Nikolayeva play Bach's Preludes and Fugues from his Well-Tempered Klavier at the 1950 Leipzig Bach Festival, Shostakovich was prompted to try the form himself. He subsequently submitted his attempts to her for criticisms, and grateful for her responses, he ultimately decided to commit the whole work to her brilliant artistry and unfaltering devotion. Thus all listeners who are dedicated to Shostakovich will have to hear one or both of Nikolayeva's recordings of the work, either this 1987 Melodiya or her slightly later 1990 Hyperion. Unfortunately, as good as either recording is, the listener is likely to come away disappointed from the experience. In this earlier recording. Nikolayeva certainly plumbs the depths of Shostakovich's thought and surveys the heights of his aspirations. From glowing serenity to blazing ecstasy to searing melancholy to bleakest despondency, she has incredible insights into the music. But her technique is not what it must once have been because too often Nikolayeva sounds hesitant and restrained, thereby making the music sound tentative and dispassionate, two qualities it never possesses. While fans who revere Shostakovich will have to hear either or both of Nikolayeva's recordings of the 24 Preludes and Fugues, they should hear the Ashkenazy or the Jarrett recordings, as well: their insights sometimes rival Nikolayeva's and their techniques often surpass hers. Brilliant's release is a straight reissue of the 1987 BMG-Melodiya issue with the same unlovely but honest sound. ~ James Leonard, All Music Guide
Track List

Disc 1

Preludes & Fugues (24), For Piano, Op. 87
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Disc 2

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Disc 3

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