Evgeny Kissin - Brahms: Sonata Op. 5, Five Hungarian Dances (2003)

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Evgeny Kissin - Brahms: Sonata Op. 5, Five Hungarian Dances (2003)

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The centerpiece of this CD is Brahms' Sonata, Opus 5, which he composed when he was 20 years old. At 38 minutes, it is a grand, expansive, five-movement work, practically symphonic in its complexity and format. Kissin's virtuosity is astounding–he can thunder or whisper–and his sense of line, melody, and mood are impeccable. His joy at playing the piano and just plain music-making is something to behold. Two pieces from Op. 76 (composed 22 years after the sonata) express a folksy flavor and sentimental yearning, respectively, and the five brief Hungarian Dances (transcribed for piano by the composer from his orchestral works) are perfect encores–energetic and easy to grasp. This is a glorious disc, a must for lovers of great pianism, and another feather in Kissin's already impressive cap.

1. Evgeny Kissin - Sonata, Op. 5, in Fa Minor (9:58)
2. Evgeny Kissin - Sonata, Op. 5, in Fa Minor (12:27)
3. Evgeny Kissin - Sonata, Op. 5, in Fa Minor (4:33)
4. Evgeny Kissin - Sonata, Op. 5, in Fa Minor (3:52)
5. Evgeny Kissin - Sonata, Op. 5, in Fa Minor (6:53)
6. Evgeny Kissin - Intermezzo, Op. 76 No. 7, in La Minor (3:25)
7. Evgeny Kissin - Capriccio, Op. 76 No. 2, in Si Minor (3:08)
8. Evgeny Kissin - Five Hungarian Dances, No. 1 in Sol Minor (2:38)
9. Evgeny Kissin - Five Hungarian Dances, No. 3 in Fa (2:05)
10. Evgeny Kissin - Five Hungarian Dances, No. 2 in Re Minor (2:42)
11. Evgeny Kissin - Five Hungarian Dances, No. 7 in Fa (1:33)
12. Evgeny Kissin - Five Hungarian Dances, No. 6 in Re bemol (2:52)