Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, Grand Sonata – Nicolai Lugansky

   in Piano International (Sep, 2017)
Moscow-trained Nikolai Lugansky, a pupil of the great Tatiana Nikolaeva, makes a hugely successful case for Tchaikovsky’s G major piano sonata in this splendid recording. Lugansky offers both strong, muscular tone and a solid sense of structure. The lovely slow movement rises in complexity, culminating in a Schumannesque clipped dotted section, perfectly realised by Lugansky. His sparkling staccato for the brief Scherzo and his orchestral terracing in the finale are remarkable.

Although lesser-known, Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons (12 ‘characteristic pieces’ depicting the months) is a gem. Lugansky’s version comes up against another recent release, Alexander Kobrin on Centaur (coupled with Musorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition); while Lugansky has lots to offer, …