Shura Cherkassky, a name synonymous with virtuosity and profound musical insight, invites you to experience a captivating journey through the world of classical piano with his album "Shura Cherkassky in Concert." Released on February 18, 2014, under the First Hand Records label, this album is a testament to Cherkassky's mastery and his ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.
Spanning a little over an hour and twenty-two minutes, the album is a carefully curated collection of some of the most evocative and technically demanding pieces in the classical piano repertoire. It opens with Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310, showcasing Cherkassky's delicate touch and expressive depth. The sonata is followed by Franz Liszt's Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178, a monumental work that Cherkassky navigates with remarkable skill and precision.
The album also features works by other great composers, including Antonín Dvořák's Burleske, Op. 261, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Paraphrase of Eugene Onegin, Op. 81. Each piece is performed with Cherkassky's signature blend of technical brilliance and emotional resonance, making this album a true celebration of the piano's expressive potential.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Shura Cherkassky's "Shura Cherkassky in Concert" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. It's a chance to hear one of the 20th century's greatest pianists in his element, performing some of the most beloved and challenging works in the classical piano canon.