Grigory Sokolov, a name synonymous with profound musical interpretation and technical mastery, presents "Classical Melancholy," a captivating journey through the realms of classical piano and orchestral works. Released on November 24, 2017, under the naïve classique label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 5 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that delve into the depths of melancholy and introspection.
The tracklist is a curated collection of some of the most evocative pieces in classical music, featuring works by composers such as Mozart, Bach, Schubert, and Rachmaninoff. Sokolov's renditions are marked by their depth of emotion and meticulous attention to detail, making this album a standout in his illustrious discography.
From the hauntingly beautiful "Adagio for Strings" by Samuel Barber to the poignant "Lacrimosa" from Mozart's Requiem, each piece is performed with a sensitivity that brings out the essence of the music. Sokolov's interpretation of Chopin's "Préludes, Livre 1" and Debussy's "Des pas sur la neige" showcases his ability to convey a range of emotions, from tender melancholy to profound sorrow.
The album also includes lesser-known gems such as "La lugubre gondola" by Liszt and "Kreisleriana" by Schumann, demonstrating Sokolov's versatility and his commitment to exploring the full spectrum of classical repertoire. His performance of "Erbarme dich" from Bach's "Matthäus-Passion" is particularly noteworthy, capturing the essence of the piece with a depth of feeling that is both moving and transcendent.
"Classical Melancholy" is not just an album; it is a testament to Grigory Sokolov's artistry and his ability to connect with the listener on a deeply emotional level. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
24 Prelude, Op. 28: No 4, Largo in E MinorFrédéric Chopin, Grigory Sokolov
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Züricher KammerOrchester, Howard Griffiths, Fazıl Say
Don Juan, Wq. 52: No. 31, Danza degli spettri a delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Arr. as Agnus Dei by Laurence EquilbeySamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620, Act II, Scene 18: No 17, Ach, ich fühls, es ist verschwunden (Pamina's Aria)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sandrine Piau, Freiburger Barockorchester
Polifemo: Alto giove (Aria)Nicola Porpora, Christophe Rousset, Les Talens Lyriques, Ewa Mallas-godlewska, Derek Lee Ragin
Elégie in C Minor for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 24Gabriel Fauré, Anne Gastinel, Orchestre National De Lyon, Emmanuel Krivine
6 String Quartets, Op. 18, No. 6 in B-Flat Major: IV. La Malinconia. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Quatuor Mosaïques
Les valseuses - After Bertrand Blier's FilmStéphane Grappelli, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Laurent Korcia
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra: II. —Philip Glass, Adela Anthony, Takuo Yuasa, Ulster Orchestra
La Melancholia, Operatorio for Soloists, Chorus, Brass, Orchestra and Band: No 2, Il quarto loco, ExtractPascal Dusapin, Nan Christie, Cécile Eloir, Timothy Greacen, Martyn Hill, Orchestre National De Lyon, David Robertson
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11 - Agnus Dei, Choral Version in B-Flat MinorSamuel Barber, Laurence Equilbey, Accentus
Nisi Dominus in G Minor, RV 608: No 4, Cum dederit (Aria)Antonio Vivaldi, Sara Mingardo, Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. II: No. 39, Erbarme dich mein Gott (Aria)Johann Sebastian Bach, Angela Kazimiercszuk, Das Neue Orchester, Christoph Spering
Adagio in G MinorTomaso Albinoni, Karol Teutsch, Orchestre Leopoldinum-wroclaw
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30: Danza degli spettri e delle furie. Allegro non troppoChristoph Willibald Gluck, Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini
Symphony No. 5: IV. Adagietto - Arr. for Solists and Chorus by Gérard PessonGustav Mahler, Solange Anorga, Hélène Moulin, Jean-François Chiama, Jean-Francois Lombard, Accentus, Laurence Equilbey
Requiem in D Minor for Soloists, Choir and Orchestra, K. 626: No 6, LacrimosaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Christoph Spering, Das Neue Orchester, Chorus Musicus Köln
Préludes, Livre 1, L. 117: No. 6, Des pas sur la neigeClaude Debussy, Noël Lee
King Arthur, Z. 628: What Power Art Thou (Aria)Henry Purcell, Stephen Varcoe, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner
La lugubre gondola, S. 134 - Third Version Arranged for Cello and PianoFranz Liszt, Anne Gastinel, Pierre-Laurent Aimard