Garrick Ohlsson: Scriabin, the Complete Etudes for Piano
BRIDGE 9287
Scriabin wrote his first Etude at age 15 (Op. 2, No. 1) and continued using this form up until shortly before his death. A few years after his first effort (in 1894), Scriabin composed the heroic set of Op. 8 Etudes, entering into his first maturity. Scriabin played several of the Op. 8 Etudes in his own debut recital in St. Petersburg in 1895. Almost 10 years later, Scriabin composed his next set, the Op. 42 Etudes, works which contain something of the mystic theosophy he was so involved with at that point.
The late Etudes are all characterized by an even freer fantasy with sparer gestures and an increasingly systematic use of 'mystic' harmonies. Pianist Garrick Ohlsson is widely regarded as a leader among the American pianists of his generation. Winner of the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, he regularly performs with the world's leading orchestras, and has established himself as a musican of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess. Garrick Ohlsson's many recordings for Bridge Records include the first eight volumes of a Complete Beethoven Sonata cycle, currently in progress. Volume 3 of that cycle (BRIDGE 9207) was the winner of a 2007 Grammy for 'Best Solo Instrumental Recording of the Year.' This disc features Garrick Ohlsson performing on a gorgeous 1876 Steinway, type 4 piano, built by C.F. Theodore Steinway.
Reviews:
“I am very grateful to have Mr. Ohlsson as a guide and interpreter par excellence for these works. His affinity for the music, his intellect and complete piano skills make this a must have.” - American Record Guide
“There are only a few recordings of Scriabin’s complete etudes. Ohlsson’s main competition comes from Piers Lane’s well-received performance on Hyperion, but you won’t go wrong with this version.” - Fanfare
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Etude Op. 2, No. 1
Twelve Etudes, Op. 8
Eight Etudes, Op. 42
Etude Op. 49, No. 1
Etude Op. 56, No. 4
Three Etudes, Op. 65
Garrick Ohlsson, piano
BRIDGE 9287
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9468A/B, 9409, 9380, 9337, 9320, 9274A/B, 9266, 9265, 9262, 9250, 9249, 9207, 9201, 9198, 9193, 9008