Pogorelich / Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 6

① Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit
② Prokofiev: Piano Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82

Ivo Pogorelich (Piano)
Recorded: October 1982

It is a famous story that when Pogorelich was eliminated in the third round of the 1980 Chopin Competition for being too eccentric in his performance, Argerich angrily resigned from the jury. This is a brilliant performance from two years later, when Pogorelich was 24 years old.

At this time, Pogorelich was treated as an outcast, but listening to this masterpiece again now, while his unique individuality is felt throughout, it does not strike me as overly eccentric. There is no better program to prove one has true technique and musicality than recording the difficult works of Ravel and Prokofiev.

His bold expression and sharp technique are wonderful, but especially the immersion into the inner world of the slow movement of Prokofiev's sonata and the devilish technique and cool passion in Ravel's Scarbo are still fresh when listened to again.

Gaspard de la nuit is a difficult piece full of eerie fantasy, but Pogorelich unfolds a dense performance that realistically depicts the fantastical scenes with his outstanding technique and precise expression. The performance of Scarbo, in particular, is of a level of perfection that other pianists cannot match. Listening to this Gaspard de la nuit opened my eyes to Ravel. I was captivated by the dense performance that seemed to realistically depict fantastical scenes. Pogorelich's individuality matches this piece extremely well. I believe it is an example of a very fortunate encounter between a piece and a performer.

Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 6 is an extremely difficult piece that begins with a majestic three-note progression, and this is a performance that I can confidently say no one plays better than Pogorelich. The immersion into the inner world of the slow movement is also nothing short of amazing. It's no wonder Argerich called him a genius. Please try listening to it once, even if you think you'll be deceived. His technique and expressiveness are inimitable.

Domestic pressing, with obi (slightly faded on spine), plastic case has some scuffs.
Disc surface has minor scuffs but plays without issue, booklet shows signs of use.
Original jacket.

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