Classical Music Album: Rachmaninov Piano Sonata No 1 Moments Musicaux

Rachmaninov’s Piano Sonata No 1 is rarely heard in the concert hall and was originally published under the title ‘Faust.’ It has, according to Marina Frolova-Walker, all the elements of Goethe’s dramatization of the legend. The first movement is true to the character of Faust, full of anguish and ‘cursed' questions. The listener is also reminded in the third movement of the famous opening phrase of the Dies irae chant, which had become the pre-eminent symbol of death in the music of the Romantics.

Despite it being rarely heard, Steven Osborne rises to the challenges of this difficult piece with an authoritative account of the Faustian tale. Playing a Steinway piano and recorded in St Silas the Martyr, Kentish Town, Osborne captures the full dynamic range which shines through on this excellently produced disc. Osborne gets under the skin of the work his dexterity proving his formidable technique. He is in control, colouring every phrase telling a story. He conveys the lyrical slow movement with its beautiful interweaving voices perfectly. From the start of the magisterial third movement Osborne continues with his imposing and commanding performance. His use of light and shade makes this a compelling recording. Thirty five minutes later later, if any convincing was necessary, Osborne makes a consummate case for this sonata. It is a stunning performance and wonderful Rachmaninov.

The Nunc dimittis is serene and one of a couple of shorter pieces before the Moments musicaux, which came about after Rachmaninov had a substantial amount of money stolen during a train journey. The Moments musicaux are a result of composing short piano pieces that would be marketable. The individual beauty of each of the movements is gracefully displayed through Osborne’s elegant playing especially in No 3.

This album has all the hallmarks of expressive, emotional, delicate, vibrant, sensitive and ostentatious playing.