Elisabeth Leonskaja, a renowned pianist with a career spanning over six decades, presents a comprehensive collection of her finest performances in "Elisabeth Leonskaja – Piano Essentials." Released on November 12, 2022, under Warner Music Group and X5 Music Group, this album is a testament to her extraordinary artistry and deep musical insight. Spanning a generous 4 hours and 37 minutes, the album is a rich tapestry of classical piano masterpieces, showcasing Leonskaja's unparalleled technical prowess and emotional depth.
The album features a diverse selection of works, including Chopin's evocative Polonaises and Nocturnes, which highlight Leonskaja's ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her playing. Her interpretations of Liszt's "Années de pèlerinage" and Schubert's Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-Flat Major, D. 960, demonstrate her profound understanding of these composers' intricate and expressive styles. Additionally, Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" is brought to life with vivid detail and nuance, showcasing Leonskaja's dynamic range and interpretive sensitivity.
Leonskaja's performances are marked by a rare combination of precision, passion, and poetic sensitivity. Her playing is characterized by a deep sense of musicality, with each note carefully crafted to reveal the composer's intent. Whether she is tackling the technical demands of a Chopin étude or the lyrical beauty of a Schubert impromptu, Leonskaja's playing is always imbued with a sense of purpose and emotional resonance.
"Elisabeth Leonskaja – Piano Essentials" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of Leonskaja's enduring contribution to the world of classical music. Her recordings have been praised for their clarity, depth, and emotional impact, and this album is no exception. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Leonskaja's work or a newcomer to her artistry, this album offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.
2022 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group2022 Warner Music Group - X5 Music Group
Tracks
Polonaises, Op. 26: No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor. Allegro appassionatoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Polonaises, Op. 26: No. 2 in E-Flat Minor. MaestosoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Polonaise-fantaisie in A-Flat Major, Op. 61Frédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 9: No. 1 in B-Flat Minor. LarghettoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 9: No. 2 in E-Flat Major. AndanteFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 9: No. 3 in B Major. AllegrettoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 15: No. 1 in F Major. Andante cantabileFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 15: No. 2 in F-Sharp Major. LarghettoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 15: No. 3 in G Minor. LentoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 27: No. 1 in C-Sharp Minor. LarghettoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 27: No. 2 in D-Flat Major. Lento sostenutoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 32: No. 1 in B Major. Andante sostenutoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 32: No. 2 in A-Flat Major. LentoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 37: No. 1 in G Minor. Andante sostenutoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 37: No. 2 in G Major. AndantinoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 48: No. 1 in C Minor. LentoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 48: No. 2 in F-Sharp Minor. andantinoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 55: No. 1 in F Minor. AndanteFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 55: No. 2 in E-Flat Major. Lento sostenutoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 62: No. 1 in B Major. AndanteFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturnes, Op. 62: No. 2 in E Major. LentoFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturne in E Minor, Op. 72 No. 1: AndanteFrédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor, B. 49Frédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Nocturne in C Minor, B. 108Frédéric Chopin, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Années de pèlerinage II, S. 161: VII. Après une lecture du DanteFranz Liszt, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 61: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 61: II. LargoDmitri Shostakovich, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Minor, Op. 61: III. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-Flat Major, D. 960: I. Molto moderatoFranz Schubert, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-Flat Major, D. 960: II. Andante sostenutoFranz Schubert, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-Flat Major, D. 960: III. Scherzo (Allegro vivace con delicatezza)Franz Schubert, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-Flat Major, D. 960: IV. Allegro, ma non troppoFranz Schubert, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade IModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: I. GnomusModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: III. TuileriesModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: IV. BydloModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: V. Ballet of the Chickens in their shellsModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenburg and SchmuyleModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: VII. Limoges . Le marchéModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: VIII. Catacombae (Spulcrum romanum)Modest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: Con mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: IX. The hut on the hen's legsModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
Pictures at an Exhibition: X. The great gate of KievModest Mussorgsky, Elisabeth Leonskaja
8 Lieder and Songs, Op. 59: Dein blause Auge. Ziemlich langsamJohannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja
9 Lieder and Songs, Op. 63: V. Junge Liebe I. LebhaftJohannes Brahms, Elisabeth Leonskaja