Prokofiev: Sonata No.6 / Liszt, Saint-Saëns

Behzod Abduraimov's 2012 release on Decca Music Group Ltd. offers a captivating journey through the worlds of Prokofiev and Liszt, with a touch of Saint-Saëns. This classical piano album spans a concise yet engaging hour and ten minutes, featuring a mix of well-known and lesser-explored pieces.

The album opens with Prokofiev's Sonata No. 6, Op. 82, a four-movement work that showcases Abduraimov's technical prowess and interpretive depth. The sonata's Allegro moderato and Vivace movements, in particular, highlight the pianist's dynamic range and control. Following the Prokofiev sonata, the album delves into Franz Liszt's 10 Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, S.173, with a focus on the evocative Bénédiction de Dieu dans la solitude. Abduraimov's sensitive playing brings out the spiritual and introspective qualities of this piece.

The album concludes with two virtuosic works: Camille Saint-Saëns' Danse Macabre and Liszt's Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514. Abduraimov's renditions of these pieces are thrilling and precise, demonstrating his command of the piano's technical demands. Throughout the album, Abduraimov's playing is characterized by a sense of clarity, expressiveness, and musicality that makes this release a standout in his discography. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience.