In his new release for Naxos, Boris Giltburg features large-scale solo piano works by Rachminanoff — the two Sonatas — alongside a transcription of the composer’s Isle of the Dead, arranged by himself and George Kirkor. The recording was made in August 2023 at Saffron Hall in Essex, with Giltburg opting for his usual Fazioli grand.
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In his foreword, Giltburg makes a fairly accurate assessment: “Rachmaninoff seems to have written only one piano sonata.” Indeed, the B-flat minor sonata has experienced far more popularity, perhaps for its melodic approachability and more compact form. Even Rachmaninoff himself expressed qualms about the scope and length of the D minor, not to mention his own assessment about its “dubious musical merits.”
Such commentary certainly feels harsh, however, given the beauty and complexity of the music when one gives it a dedicated listen. Giltburg indeed captures the commanding austerity of the first movement well, though the more lyrical sections could use a more lush and even rhapsodic approach to be truly convincing. A need for greater vibrancy is also in order for the suspenseful sections that feature scurrying textures, despite his pristine fingerwork proving impressive.
Giltburg is effective in the third movement, where the suspenseful drama is brought out through nicely tailored crescendos and stark dynamic contrasts. The driving passages are fittingly relentless and show plenty of technical facility, alongside Giltburg’s solid understanding of the movement’s momentum.
Boris Giltburg (image: Sasha Gusov)
In the second piano sonata (1931 version), a broody and moody persona gives way to a wide range of sentiments: a tumultuous and impassioned opening theme moves to the undulating disquietude of the transitional material, followed by the gentle charm of the second theme. Giltburg exhibits no difficulty with the work’s virtuosic elements, and the chords are convincingly thunderous, but a few moments feel reserved.
A possible culprit might be Giltvurg’s well-intended pacing: while rubato is a natural part of the musical language, the expressive potential of certain phrases, such as the pleading two-note figures (0’37”-0’42”), might be more fully realized with a little more space. I was also hoping for a greater sonic impact on the octave passages at 1’07”, and a longer time to register the bell tolls before the recapitulation.
The first movement, despite these reservations, remains compelling, with Giltburg delivering moments of power and drive. The second movement, by contrast, is more delicate and emotionally intricate. Rachmaninoff’s writing here is some of his most intimate and heartfelt, and while Giltburg’s sensitivity to pacing and dynamics is commendable, the music’s full emotional weight does not always come through. A particularly striking moment—the unexpected arrival at E major (4’46”)—seems to pass by too quickly, missing an opportunity for a reflective pause.
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The third movement fares better. Giltburg’s crisp articulation and well-balanced voicing bring out the sprightly, martial character effectively. While the more sweeping romantic themes and the final build-up could be even more commanding, the energy and enthusiasm in his playing remain evident.
Giltburg provides detailed commentary and musical analysis for each of the works, reflecting his deep engagement with the music. His writing is illuminating, offering thoughtful insights into Rachmaninoff’s compositional approach. While this may not be the top choice for those seeking the most expansive or impassioned interpretations of these sonatas, it serves as a solid addition for listeners who have followed Giltburg’s ongoing Rachmaninoff series on Naxos, which now includes the Piano Concertos, Preludes (reviewed here), Études-tableaux, and Moments musicaux.
Top image: Sasha Gusov
Recommended Comparisons:
Biret | Wang | Berezovsky (No. 1) | Kempff (No. 2)
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Album Details |
|
|---|---|
| Album name | Rachmaninoff – The Piano Sonatas – Boris Giltburg |
| Label | Naxos |
| Catalogue No. | 8574601 |
| Amazon Music link | Stream here |
| Apple Music link | Stream here |
| Artist | Boris Giltburg |
